Although many boats were(and are) rigged with plain thimbles (Alberg 30, for one) and they seem to work alright for quite a while, over time the thimbles either crack or deform.
Some of the rigs I have seen made this way are 30 yrs old and haven't cracked or deformed, while othertimes we see thimbles crush after one sail. I think if the loads are around 1/2 of the rated cable load the thimble will probably be fine.
Calling the thimble manufacuturer and asking for the load rating for use on a 7/16" pin (or whatever size your using) is your best bet for an absolute answer.
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Brian Duff
BVI Yacht Sales, Tortola
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