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I'm no physics guru but it would seem that the gripper would add an extra pivot point/moment arm and more torque on your arm, making it more difficult to control a thrashing fish.

The few times I've used it on a NP, I was acutley aware of that possibility. The orange gripper has a coiled wrist loop. I had in on, figuring if the fish started thrashing, I would release  my grip and let the coiled loop do it's job.
Of course a 30"+ NP isn't the same as a trophy sized 46" one. :o
Bottom line for me in this discussion is patience is key and IF it's not ready, your risking damaging it/yourself.
Another thing is when your solo depending on conditions, the wind/chop can make you more likely to rush because your worried about dumping as well.