Duh, now why didn't I think of that?  ;)
Looks like the 7/64th black is just the right thing.
It is easy to get to the cord.  The ends of the Al poles come off with a twist.  I did that to shorten and "retie" them once, but the existing cord is severly degraded (yellowed, thinned out, no stretch).  Time for a "refill".
Other than that, the HalfDome 2 is holding up well.  It is a great tent for solo canoe camping.  Just the right amount of space and not to heavy or bulky.
HJ