Rob G., I know where you are coming from. I installed a Hampton Fan less than a month ago. I had thought about it for quite awhile. The instruction didn't make much sense. I removed the black mounting things, throw them in the trash. Mounted the blades in the approxiate holes and things worked great. The fan is doing fine and working well. Didn't even have to use the balancing things that came with the ceiling fan. We enjoy it. Post back if you need more info.