Original Edge saddle issue

[Axewielder]

I have some used RG550/RG600 parts that I recently purchased and am trying to build a parts guitar out of. I'm a little baffled by the original Edge trem. When I loosen the string lock screws, the holder blocks (or lock blocks) fall down onto the saddle and the hole no longer mates with the string lock screws when tightened again. When I pull the manual, I notice a part, #6, simply called "plate".

http://www.ibanezrules.com/images/parts/edge_manual.pdf

These "plates" would appear to have the job of holding up the lock blocks, however my saddles do no have them, they are just open on the bottom. Any guesses as to what is going on with this trem? Are these plates just snap in parts? Is is possible all 6 are missing? Or, are they possibly non-original Floyd saddles or something crazy like that? I can take pics if necessary.

[Axewielder]

I've read elsewhere that these plates are typically brass, and are sometimes removed by owners pounding out stuck locking blocks or robbing them for parts. Man that sucks. I understand they are difficult to re-attach, and I probably can't find replacements (I don't see them listed on ibanezrules).

[toshiro]

They also just fall off over time. I don't think my circa-1989 Edge trem has even one left on it. I just don't back the screws out more than I need to slide the strings in and out.

Now, my circa-1998 Edge trem's saddles don't have that part, it's part of the actual saddle.

[horstausmforst]

Yeah, I had the same thing happening on some of my old edges. Just loosen the screws enough to get the string in/out, not further. I didn't know that the purpose of the 'plate' part was to prevent this, I always thought the it's just a design flaw