Re: feather tracts

["philidor11" <philidor11@snet.net>]

Ken Kinman wrote:
<The aerodynamic function was undoubtedly the last major exaptation.  Before
that was insulation.  But the tendency of feathers to grow in tracts would
indicate some function even before the insulation phase.>
and Tim Williams replied:
<<snip>
Besides, even if you are correct, the growth and arrangement of feathers in
tracts may reflect a developmental trait, and may have no evolutionary (i.e.
selective) significance whatsoever.>

Though it may provide a clue about the prior condition.  (The absence of
facts provides a comfortable space for pure speculation.  Here I am.)
Anything immediately wrong with the following scenario?
The hard patches on dino integument begin to extend as protection against
attack, becoming higher, wider, thicker.  As they do, instead of a single
smooth surface they split into individual quill-like units.  These quills
would not have to cover the whole body, but would be effective as just rows.
When these rows get long enough to cover the remaining skin, they also have
value as insulation.
Does this 'feathers began as protective quills' idea make sense?  One useful
consistency would be if the harder 'studs' on dino skin align as rows, and
I'm not sure if that's true.
Should I forget about this now, or develop a fondness for the idea?