I agree, running thread shall not be used at couplings. Would running thread still need to comply with 345-8 and 346-8(99 code book)? I believe the intent is that all field cut conduit(including running thread)have 3/4" taper on both sides. This would be very difficult to do in the field(improbable if not impossible). That is why they make tools like "nipple chucks" for power threaders. Of course I could be interrupting the code wrong(it would not be my first time).