I'll add other glasses to this thread as I have time to look at them if there is interest.
I suspect that the lead based flux is necessary to get this glass to behave properly. It's my impression that traditionally gold ruby glasses have started out with a 'lead crystal' base, though in this use 'crystal' is a misnomer. The bulk glass probably has no more lead in it than your average fine crystal glassware, so I wouldn't worry about it from that point of view. The reduced surface may be another issue all together for some folks.
R
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