Richard,
I have no scientific evidence or source to prove this, but I THINK the reason that internal weights "seem" to increase spine is that effectively, you're shortening the shaft in a fashion...ie, you're moving weight rearward...by increasing weight on the end of the shaft, you're having the same effect as lengthening the lever...adding weight out on the end...putting weight INSIDE, moves the lever weight BACK toward center, thus stiffening.
I avoid all that head work but using what insert I want, head I want, then start tuning at full length and cutting from the rear...
Don't know if that makes sense or not, but it's how it's worked out in my riddled brain! :eek: