My remaining question about Mijostyn's method is whether the typical Chinese-made digital VTF gauge is accurate when used in the vertical, rather than the horizontal orientation. I am trying to figure out how one would test for that. Or maybe Mijo tested for that. If so, how?
For the above reason, I have been conjuring a different method also using a digital VTF gauge that permits the scale to measure in the horizontal orientation. Place, say, a 5g weight on the scale. Place the scale with the weight on its pan to the left of the headshell or between the headshell and the spindle. Attach a thread to the 5g weight that pulls vertically on the weight and then goes over a pulley so the thread can travel in the horizontal direction and attach to the headshell. Now exert the AS force on the headshell. The reading on the scale should go downward from its baseline reading, e.g., "5g" will appear to lose weight. The difference between the no AS reading and the AS applied reading should equal the AS pull in g. Haven't yet figured out how to stabilize the headshell during this operation.