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. Would you REALLY cut an original ivory Martin nut in half rather than relieve the tiny amount behind it necessary to tap it out without damage?
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No, but I have seldom felt the need to saw a kerf behind the nut either. That permanently alters the guitar. Sawing through the nut is only used when I am replacing it.
The angled bottom of the nut on older Martins causes it to release easier than a flat-bottom nut that is captured by the peghead veneer.
If chipping the corner of an original ivory nut is a concern, then I suggest heating the nut. It works very well.....especially with the sloppy hide glue joint that is often found under the nut of a vintage Martin.
Maybe it's just me, but I prefer repairing a chipped corner of the nut, rather than dealing with a too-wide slot by putting wood filler in it.
There are few things I have seen you illustrate where I disagree with your approach, but this is definitely one of them.