Other than having someone else hold while you start and run, the pipes in the ground restraint system seems to me to work the best. Perhaps better because the pipes won't develop an itch, become distracted, or start coughing and release the plane into your lap. No folding parts to accidentally release at the wrong time and only releases when you get behind the plane to move either the tail, or better still, pull up the stake or pipe.

Still not a good ide to fly alone or test run an engine with nobody else around. There have been too many serious injuries when people have been alone and their survival was little more than pure luck. Ya'll be careful out there, and Obee, I hope it heals quickly with as little discomfort as possible.