Trying to build a "native American" style osage/sinew bow one year, I did pin nocks. As I was final tillering and shooting/working in the adjustments (the bow was around 80lbs and I needed to work it down some) I pulled the string right off the nocks, essentially dry-firing it. Broke right through the handle...the sinew stayed intact though. I had a lot of work into that bow at that point.
My point is, I've come to like a little overlay to help hold on the string.