Oil baffles and modern piston's

[Robert Leigh]

In my case oil consumption is mostly about leakage. It is by no means a constant - I used a frightening amount up the A1 to Newcastle, then next to nothing in a couple of thousand miles of subsequent gentle touring. I don't have the original Seven baffles but I do have a spacer plate under the block which restricts splash somewhat.

What is the purpose of the spacer plate? Perhaps you are using non-Austin rods and/or pistons, otherwise it will reduce compression ratio, or have I misunderstood?
Robert Leigh