Folks,
I have a slot as well as the rivets in my pole. The saddle is on the inside with the top poking through the wall of the pole.
I always use my pole as a handle to move my boat around.
With the lines attached the pole just goes into compression when I lift the boat by it.
I've had no problems and expect no problems.

Regards,
Phill

I know that the voices in my head aint real,
but they have some pretty good ideas.
There is no such thing as a quick fix and I've never had free lunch!