People setting up their boat's anchor systems sometimes think that there is some advantage to a shackle and thimbled eye connection.
Some think that since the thimble prevents chafe - on the inside of the eye - it must be stronger and more long lasting than the thimbleless rope to chain splice. They don't seem to understand how the thimble also puts the outside of the eye in the way of getting chafed.
The other rationalization for resisting the rope/chain splice is flexability. Some think that they may want to disconnect the leader chain from the rope sometime. In point of fact, I've not talked to a single boater who ever actually disconnects and reconnects the two. All that happens is the shackle ages to the point where it cannot usefully be unscrewed anyway.
So to all doubters, think carefully and hard before you insist on a shackle and thimble connection. There are very very few instances where it actually makes sense.
G'luck
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