Bechstein B hammer rake

[RicB]

Hi folks.

Just starting a Bechstein hammer replacement. Noticed the rake on the
original hammers was about 2-3 degrees back away from the flange. We
just went through a rake thread a bit back where several asserted that
its best to have the hammer at exactly perpendicular to the strings at
impact. Strings angle up to the bridge from the striking point so an
backwards rake would just make the angle between hammer and string at
impact even farther away from this stated optimal.

I cant really see the rational for the original rake...which seems very
very consistant all the way up to the last 6 - 7 highest notes where the
rake becomes nearly 0 degrees to the shank.

I know Bechsteins have this tight fit at the top few notes of the
highest two sections... but am wondering if there is any reason why I
shouldn't use a 1-2 degree rake forward on this instrument.  This looks
to be pretty close to whats needed to get the hammers perpendicular to
the strings at impact if bore length is taken as string height over the
key bed minus. hammer shank center height over the key bed.  I usually
just make hammers perpendicular to the shank but wanted to try this
other since several folks recommend it so much.

Advice appreciated.

Cheers
RicB