Thanks for the info guys. I knew there would be MANY ways of installing these, just as there are many versions/"brands" of armor. That's the reason I didn't include a built-in power switch ... there's no way of knowing how far away from the board (if not directly ON the board) each customer would want it. 
I guess what I'm looking for is that if the two boards were permanently attached (ie, hard-wired together), could someone still mount it fairly easily? Sounds like most are cutting slits into the vest ... would it be just as easy to cut the slits large enough to slip the boards through (as opposed to just the ribbon cable)? And yes, I AM going somewhere with this ... 
Thanks again,
ATM