I think there is some validity in the 'give' idea. The peak forces involved in stopping something over distance of 0.01" are ten times what occurs if something is stopped over a distance of 0.10". I think the 'give' displayed in this picture may have helped save my spindle bearings in a recent crash, my worst ever.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/attach...0&d=1210645888