I've been using the narrow crown 1 5/8 staples for the frames. 2 in the top bars, 2 in the side bars, and 2 for the bottom bars. we had used these staples a long time ago as well and i was surprised how well they hold even without glueing frames.
i've been using a nail gun with glue tip, ribbed, 2 5/8 and about 8 gauge nails. very impressive I must say. I paint my supers with a solid color oil stain.
HVH, I know what your talking about holding the frame further down. I was 14 when I was putting frames together for a beek and a staple curved out the side and went through the tender flesh between my thumb and pointer finger. learnt a good lesson that day.