After tweaking a few bats in a more "normal" way (tape etc to change handle, trimming handle/blade length, etc) I think I am now eligible for the most village award...
...had a custom bat that broke early. Manufacturer replaced under warranty, and I was happy using the broken one in nets against those terrible balls. But....New bat was just half an ounce heavier than the broken one and i started getting paranoid about the two not weighing the same.
And So, I proceeded to put a thick (the ones that come free with CA) scuff sheet on the BACK side of the bat, AND taped the BACK edges, along with wrapping some extra tape around the shoulder and toe. Loe and behold, the two bats now weigh the same. Village!!