Orphan- I get it, I wasn't being a dick, its probably the easiest, and strongest solution.

Pete- I doubt any of these would have a significant impact on rigidity one way or another. I don't like the through bolting just because you're making another spot for corrosion and electrolysis to go to work. Plus having one more thing for lines, sheets, and bungee to potentially get caught on, and it only happens at the worst time....