I’m with ccchapell on this. I like a bit of snugness. I just like that firmer connection to the boat. I understand the reasons why it might be better to learn the stroke without using a strap, and I should paddle more with a loose strap to see what I learn from it. I once paddled with the nelo pull bar and though that was really nice. There must be a reason the Pros use them in K1s.
I find a firm connection feels helpful if the boat feels tippy to me in the conditions. Downwind I feel like it gives me a little extra body control over the ski. I have also noticed that in boats with wide sloppy buckets it helps prevent sliding to one side and getting stuck there. If I am in a boat where one setting on the footboard is too close and the next one a bit too far, the strap helps me maintain foot pressure in the far setting.
I have never had an entrapment issue but I understand that fear.
Current Skis: Nelo Vanquish AIR, NK 670 double, NK exrcize, Carbonology Feather, Think Jet, Knysna Sonic X
Former Skis: Epic v10g3, Kai Waa Vega, Epic V12 g2, Epic V12 g1, Epic v10 double, Nelo 550 g2, Fenn Elite S, Custom Kayaks Synergy