i use slip on covers. They are very cheap and i use 2 - 10' pieces on my 30' shrouds. This allows me to slide them up where any sail/stay friction would be.

they are a bit of a pain to put on (they are easier if left in a back window of a car to warm up and soften) but once on, they easily slide up and down for inspection and can even be totally removed and put back on for inspections.

I have PERSONALLY found ALL the broken strands and concern directly above or around the nicopress or on the swage and never in the middle area..

I was on a boat last weekend in 18knot that demasted from a few broken strands (not my boat)