Ok, obviously this is no long term review.

Yes, we are all correct in suspecting friction on adjustment, however it can be done normally if you are willing to dress the mantis whoopie connection after. There is a KISS workaround by just slipping the whoopie off one of the hooks, making adjustment, then pinch at the mantis and reinstall. Thats sounds like a pain but its stupid easy. Giving the mantis a little half flip towards the tree tends to settle everything.

For those going sans whoopies and just using these in the typical full daisy chain method life is even simpler. I also don't see them coming off the straps when packing if done carefully, and they disappear in the hugger bundle. I think with WS use, my plan will be to leave them on one of the end loops and fit the hugger to the tree each time.

Will they replace my biners...time will tell, but its definitely a viable alternative and no harder to deal with than a MSH in the adjustment dept.