I have considered taking my straps off also. But I thought they didn't serve any purpose but an arm rest. Am I wrong? Will taking them off cause the seat to kinda hyper extend. I put 3 of the Milleniums on my boat and its kinda weird when I bring a guest it takes them a few hours to realize how comfortable the seats are. I usually get something like "hey my back dont hurt like it usually does when I fish". I admire your tinkerin and I bet one day your gonna find a niche and "strike it rich".