[Charlie Stylianos]

The 'soft' material has elastic properties (it will deform a bit under load, then retain its shape when the load is lifted). Some of the torque applied is used to deform the plastic, when the plastic has deformed to its max the remaining torque is transferred to your lugs. The material used is pretty hard so I wouldnt think the difference in torques is going to be significant.

For the track, get some steel lugs to put your mind at ease.