I could also see a Versatackle being considered a mere implementation of his Span Loops, rather than a basic knot to be included in his list.
The Versatackle, is, like the Trucker hitch, an "expanded", compound knot, a "non local" rope mechanism which is nothing but the implementation of the
block and tackle simple machine in the field of knotting. Therefore, I agree that it is not a "knot" like the others, that should be considered if it will be included or omitted in a knot list. However, this is a matter of the definition of
what a "knot" is, in general, a much more complex thing than
any particular knot !
On the other hand, what the Versatackle or the Trucker s hitch is certainly
not, is
"a mere implementation of the Span Loops" ! The Span loop is just one of the dozens of the possible TIB loops that can well be utilized in a Versatackle or a Trucker s hitch - and I am not going to discuss which is the "best" loop for those particular rope-made simple machines here... If the Versatackle could be considered such a "
mere implementation" of an X TIB loop, it should also be considered as a
"mere implementation" of a Y TIB loop, or a W TIB loop, the slip overhand knot, the Butterfly loop, the Double Dragon loop, etc. - i.e. of every possible TIB single or even double midline loop there is - the most multitudinous family of knots we know !
When one thing is a mere implementation of many things, one should wonder if what is really happening is the exact opposite !
What is really the case is that the Versatackle or the Trucker s hitch are "expanded" knot mechanisms, that
utilize midline loops - but the eyeknots of the midline loops themselves are three-ends ordinary knots, just as the end-to-end two-end knots ( bends).
Therefore, if you have chosen the Alpine Butterfly as your mid-line loop ( a fine choice ! ), you should stick to it, anf utilize this midline loop in your Versatackle or Trucker s hitch ! Sorry Festy, no Span loop allowed, I am afraid !