Considering Rolex has switched to solid mid-links with the GMT-IIC and latest sport models, this may give more street cred to bracelets of this sort. Also, I have mentioned before, I am sure there are plenty of Gen's in the world owned by non-WIS's-- that when the time came to replace the bracelet they went aftermarket solid, or aftermarket with clasp swap over. As far as it being a tell, unless you are very close to the person in direct sunlight or hand the watch over to a Rolex WIS, it is not as easy as you think. I was sitting at a Sushi bar next to a guy in a Sub. I could not tell if the mid's were hollow or solid from 3' away.
I have said it before, but bouncing/failing/calling out a watch as a rep/fake where user-serviceable parts are concerned should not be the primary ID method. (Bracelet/Strap/Inserts)