The first time I replaced halyards, in 1988 or 1989, I replaced them with rope/wire. Since then no wire. I cannot image a single reason you would want to use wire.
As to dropping and checking the mast, isn't this done at least once per year? And, I assume it would be done prior to any serious off shore race.
I too concur on the spreader fix. Other than drilling out the old pop rivits, the repair was pretty simple and well worth the peice of mind on my 23 year old mast.
