Bird,
I agree with your post until the italics start. I use my little kubota with most implements tied up pretty tight (meaning from full tight to about an inch play side to side). However I usually don't use the anti-sway bars needed on the 8N unless doing boxblade work. For the 8N and 5' rotory I like leaving it loose (without sway bars) mostly. I do a lot of my work going backwards and uphill so it is able to deflect on an obstruction. For me the backing under and around, corners, hills, etc., and with the bigger cutter I need that "swing factor". I realize we are talking about 2 entirely different types of machines here, but it's my $.02.