So I know this is an older post and it took me months to adopt the Peak Design system because I hated the thought either a split ring and a leather protective pad between the camera lug and the anchor or popping out the protective bushings. Then I saw the small oblong split rings Peak supplied. With a little tab of electric tape for extra scratch resistance (I will replace one day by sliding over a small piece of rubber hose) I am happier than direct connect.
I used the optech uni-loop for a long time and the only drawback (beside the huge plastic connectors) was that the system didn't quite flow so when you had no strap on the connectors stuck out. With a split ring the PD move fluidly and I like that.