"I wonder if that's not the problem of some people on the list who
want gas-assisted
openers."

Not moi. Just old shoulders. I always crack the slider just a smidge
to eliminate that vacuum thingy, since I have a center console I have
to come through it (slider) anyway. That vacuum-effect must add 25-30
lbs. to the weight of an already heavy top. Done there, been that. I
like the struts almost more for how it holds the top up just above
closed when putting it down. I had to make an adjustment when tucking
the canvas in since I no longer had to rest the top on the side of my
bent-over-head. ;-)

bob