A method of configuring a surgical instrument having a surgical tissue-compressing device including opposing compression surfaces with a tissue-compression-measuring mechanism, the method comprising providing a switching element having first and second switching states changed solely by mechanical movements, mechanically coupling the switching element with a biasing element retaining the switching element in one of the first and second switching states until a pre-determined force is imparted to the switching element, the pre-determined force being an amount of force proportional to an optimal tissue compression force of compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces, and positioning the switching element in line with the surgical tissue-compressing device to cause the pre-determined force, proportional to a force placed upon compressed tissue disposed between the opposing compression surfaces, to be placed upon the switching element.