David,

   My experience with standards and guidelines at the government level, is
that the finished product is not worth the man-hours that went into it.  The
special interest groups which must be heard, and due process given the
loudest voice, and process for selection of those "experts" and consultants,
all contribute to a watered down version of what really should be.  When you
throw together manufacturers, politicians and lobbyists you will certainly
have an interesting outcome.
    In your involvement with this ASTM committee would your involvement be
voluntary?  Would you be directly or indirectly compensated?
    the last two standards projects I have been involved with at a federal
level have left me with a bad taste.  After all the niggling about facts and
fallacy, or word choice, the final product was misleading by over
simplification.
     As for restoration mortars, I eagerly await a good standard, but am
highly skeptical.  I would love to hear from John Speweik regarding his AST
M. experiences with pointing mortars.

Best,
Leland