Is it a vehicle weight thing? No way to straight pull this guy. One pulled him over with a rope and ring and I straight pulled it back off the Boulder. No issues. I can see them degrading over time but I replace my rope regardless every few seasons and if one breaks we just thread it back together.
Buggies are a whole level up!
More weight = more friction, right?
If rope breaks under load bad things can happen.
You and many in Rising Sun have a lot of experience. Many will almost intuitively know what will work or not.
Recovery gear is hot these days and sellers are motivated by many things.
I could buy a $20 Amazonite ring, a $219 Maxtrax ring (good for 66,000 lbs, cause you need that right?) or a $129 Yankum offfset.
Rings are "new" "cool" and making money.
Some users genuinely believe.
To circle back, I have not heard of failures. I want to follow best practices. I cannot come up with any reason friction on a rope is a better practice than friction on a steel axle with bushing