The spring is there to counter the "cambered" foil on the blades. Ask Frank Robinson because I think he designed them. The 22/44 is virtually identical although not large enough to require a spring.
One thing to watch out for is a light ship on a slick surface (ice) will start to turn by itself if the pedals are not held in neutral, particularly at ground idle for those that are allowed to leave the ship running. Turning the pedal is the obvious solution, I have seen home made tools that have been fitted and the net result of broken aircraft and people - not pretty.
As for beating up the straps, I would like to see conclusive evidence. What does it actually do to the packs? Then again it's 25 years SINCE I have worked on one!