Yes, it does have removable stays, I've had them out about a hundred times too :P. It also has a frame sheet. What I've been doing is actually putting the pack on, tightening everything up, and checking it by feel and a mirror to see where it needed adjusting. Then taking it off, taking the stays out, guessing at the bends, putting them back in the bag, and going through the whole thing again. I guess I would be better off to just wait for some help from a friend from the sound of it. Do you have any idea what a shop would charge to fit them?