i think the wound 3rd string is very good way to balance the tension among the strings and the neck, thus, solving the “dead g string”. i have seen guitars perfectingly set up (intonated, truss rod adjustment, fret dress and leveling) and still the 3rd string some was dead at the 8/9th fret, until wound 3rd strings were placed.

do you mean that 5 knob memory man were made after 79? any idea what year is this?