I think it's just a matter of personal preference. I remember when everyone in Colorado still used rope to tie boats down. Everyone should know their knots from their SRT anyways. Straps are convenient and with just a little skill are not at all damaging to the car. I've never hit my car or window with the strap but unlike some of my buddies, I pay attention when I'm strapping boats down

. I have never lost a boat (had a few lucky ones, though). I use ropes occasionally but prefer strappage. Ropes are more versatile and cheaper but also tend to stretch more and take longer to tie down when taking out in the snow

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For the record, I have trimmed straps down when they were too long (ones that I always use for the same purpose and knew I wouldn't miss the extra length).
I say, be good at doing both and choose what you want to do based on personal preference and what's available at the time.
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"The owner of the car must always tie the boats on. He knows how he wants it done."-Corran Addison