There are some benefits to this modification and some hype. Until I get around to testing it, I can't say what is a real benefit and what is hype. I do know that your tail rotor pedal margins are increased at high power settings. That enables you to lift more.
The 1000lbs would not be entirely from reducing tail rotor thrust by 1000lbs, but it may be that you approach maximum tail rotor pedal margins with 1000lbs extra weight, for a certain weight/altitude/temperature.
There are a number of helicopters around the world that are being built with strakes or are having strakes installed. I don't know anything about the popularity about the fast fin or similiar designs. It does make you think that the strakes do offer some advantage, but determining what that advantage is and whether you'd be able to use it in your operation is paramount.
Matthew.