I was just surfin the old forum and this came up. Good read and made me wonder if Mac is ok. Been a while since he's been on.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150920122348/http://www.cutterandtailor.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2441 (https://web.archive.org/web/20150920122348/http://www.cutterandtailor.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2441)
Anyway, enjoy as most will have thought 'what if' with super awesome vintage tweeds. Rgds
Regarding the alteration of downsizing the coat armhole from the shoulders: I don't think it would be the wisest way of doing it, only if the coat has a breast welt and flap/jetted flap pockets, as doing this alteration with the shoulders may cause distortion of the pocket position.
Patch pockets would be best though, as those are easy to take of and move down.