08-15-11: StanwalSame here, on both counts. And it seems to me that during the process of lifting the record there could be an instant of time when part of the circumference of the hole of the stationary record would press against the rotating spindle, momentarily increasing the strain on the motor. And I would be concerned, also, that having a rotating platter momentarily sliding against a stationary record would not do the record surface any good.
This sounds totally unnecessary to me and this is the first time I have ever heard of the idea.
In my case, btw, I use a record clamp, so I have no choice in the matter.
Regards,
-- Al