I settled a couple of similar models using the different bridling patterns.
And you are correct @tallakt the response of the shaft with extra bridling is initially and overall stiffer but more non linear… Here are the final converged results of the first two I have compared.
With just straight lines there is much higher shaft compression as the straight lines have to compensate for all of the torque.
When the extra bridle to the trailing polygon is added this takes up the torque however … look at the section between rings 2 and 3 The trailing bridles torsional rigidity has collapsed and they are very close to touching. The previous straight lines now take most of the torque through this section. There was a noticeable collapse moment in settling this form.
Might try the comparison again with Lower Lift/Torque