So I'm wondering why the shuttle can't be more closely mounted to the external tank, like a molded ski boot design where the shuttle fits into a 'print' on the tank. That way, most of the tiles would be covered and protected during launch and the whole assembly would be more solid.

__________________
1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma