I think most of these leg straps just started out as a method to help keep the saddle from falling off your butt when walking then evolved into someone's thinking that these could be used as extra safety support measures. I know in the YouTube Eberhart saddle video he stated that these straps are not load bearing and should be worn loose when in the tree. I am just getting into the saddle game and made my own saddle, "Eberhart" style, and did not add leg straps because I don't see any reason for them. I have not been in a tree yet though, just hanging off a pole in the basement.