Using the HTL by itself (not attached to anything), I'd make sure it is a very straight-away pull, as any side (angle) pull might break the top link rockshaft cover casting.
As to the HTL or top link mostly loaded in tension, I'd have to differ a bit on that, as any carry-all platform or the like would be tension load on the top arm or HTL.
Here is a double pallet of firewood that loads the HTL in tension. And wrenching a pallet up off frozen ground will put a lot of tension load on the HTL. The load is straight-away however. Had to move the ballast box to the front to keep the front end down as the blade isn't heavy enough. The FEL is.