Dear Group,
After all my playing around I can happily report that a router table with straight bit does a VERY good job making these kinds of joints. The fingers and spaces are uniform in size, fit snugly and look just fine. The set-up isn't difficult and the only problem was finally realizing that, unless a stop is used, the stock tends to kick right a bit at first bite and my holes were ending up a bit bigger than I wanted. I can also report that this mewthod works a lot better when the grain is perpendicular to the bit. (At least with the oak and utili I am using.) When cutting through cross grain the tearout at the back (even with a backer) is a problem.
Respectfully submitted to the Group, FoggyTown