While trying not to raise a well-thrashed subject again (have read all the valuable and helpful information so far) ... My question is more a "what would someone else do ? ".

.... After getting the ol' 57 splitter back on the road .. MOT'd and running well ...I decided to stock up on some backup parts like hoses , fan belt, gaskets, stat etc .. bound to go at some stage. Anyway .. my list didn't include a bypass hose which I admit should be on top of the list. (from what I've read). I Just overlooked it I guess. There is plenty of information submitted and it seems that popular opinion is to avoid the fluted variety or Silicone ones, and go for the straight reinforced type.
I was going to purchase 1 of each , install the straight and one (maybe fluted) as a backup (if it is true that these are easier to fit should you get left in the lurch.)
So .. in summary - the straight-type bypass hose preferably requires water pump removal to fit - and the fluted/or/Silicone might not , with a bit of fiddling and profanity. - True ?
What about the "bypass hose adapter 12A2075" ? How is that part actually fitted, is it easy to fit - and does it permanently help the whole bypass issue.
The bypass hose installed currently in the car looks as though it is an original (fluted with a fabric-type covering) and most likely never been changed since '57.