The long-term solution is to find a front derailleur with a housing stop like those that Suntour is known for.
yes, that is what i was wondering in my original question, and i have yet to find a front derailer that attaches to the frame AND has a built-in cable stop. when i look for
Suntour, all i see is front derailers on ebay.
Then you can remove that ridiculous cable guide from the seat tube altogether.
huh, at the time i did this, i thought it was rather ingenious of me. 😅