K8N Neo2 Platinum (Zalman 7700AlCu install - PLEASE HELP!)

Question

Hello,
I know that the Zalman web page lists the 7700 as incompatible with the Neo2 Platinum board.  I've also read the past threads here about installation of the Zalman coolers, and I know that some people have made it work.  I'm just wondering HOW? 
Originally, the guy who built my computer had the 7700 installed using the stock MSI backplate and the shorter brass coloered Zalman "nipples" that normally come with the 7000 coolers (don't know how he got ahold of these - I assume he had extras lying around).  This apparently worked temporarily, but eventually the glue on the MSI backplate gave out, and that allowed the entire cooler to come loose, move, and rock back and forth.  Since the stock MSI backplate is only glued on, there is nothing holding it in place but the glue if you remove the stock retention mechanism to which it is mounted. 
Since the stock backplate was no longer an option, I decided to try the Zalman backplate.  Unfortunately, the threads in the brass Zalman 7000 mounting nipples are too large to fit into the holes in the Zalman 7700 backplate.  I tried to reinstall using the silver colored Zalman 7700 mounting nipples, but I faced another problem.  The 7700 nipples are too tall!  The entire cooler is loose when you use them, and it doesn't make good contact with the CPU. 
Here is my thought.  I have a feeling that if I go back to the (shorter) brass 7000 nipples, and get ahold of a Zalman 7000 backplate (which would obviously have larger holes to fit the brass 7000 nipples), then this just might work perfectly.  I guess the only questions I have are:
(1) Will the 7000 backplate fit on the Neo2 Platinum?  [I assume it should since the 7000 is listed as compatible with this board on the Zalman web page]
(2) Will Zalman be willing to send me a 7000 backplate at no charge? 
(3) Has anyone gotten this to work (i.e. mounting a 7700 cooler to a Neo2 Platinum using 7000 hardware)??? 
Thanks in advance.  Unless someone tells me this proposed installation is doomed to fail, I'll be calling Zalman to request a backplate tomorrow. 

Answer 1

Joey,
Zalman told me nothing other than that they would send me a 7000 backplate at no charge.  My proposed installation method may not work at all. 
I can't tell from your photos if you're using stock Zalman hardware (i.e. mounting nipples) with the metal MSI backplate.  Your Asus board installation appears to use springs, which AFAIK, are not supplied with any Zalman HSF.  The photos of your MSI installation is too dark to see the mounting nipples. 
Use of the MSI backplate with standard Zalman hardware is a recipe for disaster, as explained in my original post.  The mounting threads in the metal MSI backplate actually protrude up through the motherboard surface by about 1/4", as can be seen in your photos.  Once the glue sticking the backplate to the underside of the motherboard gives out, the backplate will be free to move 1/4" away from the back side of the motherboard, due to the play created by the protruding threads.  Thiis will allow the entire Zalman HSF to move with it.  The HSF will be able to rock back and forth, losing contact with the CPU surface. 
Your installation method (with the springs) may well solve this problem.  I can't tell from the photos.  Just be sure that your installation does not rely in any way on the fact that there is glue holding the MSI backplate to the motherboard, as that glue will eventually give out.