ElCaron:
- My version does work, but might cause glitches because the state of the storage might change for a short time during update, even if nothing changed. In my case, this is not important, I am switching LED configurations and the transition doesn't matter.
Your version would not cause glitches using HC595s because they have the output latches and the data is only updated once you have fully shifted it in.
The ability to remove modules when necessary is an excellent reason for not chaining. I do recommend using the 74HC14 buffers as I described since it prevents any interference between modules due to wiring problems (except for shorting Vcc to ground of course).
Got the spelling check problem licked. I have managed to kill the nuisance "WSYWIG" feature.