Just to be clear:
Asymmetric pulling/pushing - nope
Pulling/pushing on anything that needs extra care, e.g. the prop on "my" trusty Jodel D112 - definite nope
Pulling on the actual tip - nope again
I was really interested to know if there's any appreciable difference in pushing/pulling about 2/3 out from the hub, as opposed to right up close to the hub? I didn't think there would be enough to warrant a remark from the chap on the other side of the spinner, but clearly there might be.
Anyway, thanks for all the comments, explanations and nice drawing, Aesir
Obviously, I might as well err on the side of caution and stick close to the hub. I'll remember that