While I agree with you, as far as the foot brace itself goes, I think the effects on the hull itself are what is signficant. Most are quite thin and unsupported in this area, and hull flexing is quite possible, as well the resulting fatiguing and fracturing of the glass in the area. Then comes the dreaded water leaking. For the sake of the hull, I suspect distribution is important.

> I spent some time investigating the fixing requirements. It appears
> that the loads on footbraces are not worth mentioning.