I have replaced harnesses due to puking. I have also in the past washed harnesses due to puking. **I know now you are not SUPPOSED to but sometimes spot cleaning doesn't cut it.** I almost wonder if this design was meant to keep people from washing the straps? If so it might have been a cut off your nose despite your face move. If I can't/shouldn't wash, I want the option to replace, given a worst case scenerio.
I also have harness straps that have gotten kind of frayey - the seat is going to be tossed soon so I am not super concerned - but it's only 5 years old and the Chicco is supposed to last till 8. I don't want a harness that will konk out before the seat expires.
And what if there is a buckle issue? Graco had to have people ship back and then replace the entire seat for some of the earlier My Rides when there were buckle issues.
What if someone puts it in storage between kids and mold grows on the soft parts?
Knock wood, my girls have been in frontiers for 2+ years and those straps have never been puked or peed on - but you never know.
I think it's worth being concerned over. A part that should cost under $20 could result in the whole seat being worthless. I know you could argue ANY part of the seat might go bad and not be replacable but... Straps seem like a no brainer to me.
I haven't ruled the seat out based on that but it is one of the issues I hope they change in the next year or so. The pads were originally wipe clean only, non-removable, but then they decided if you call they will give you the directions to remove them / replace them. Maybe there are secret directions for the straps, or maybe they will change the design. Or maybe buying this seat will just have to be a gamble.
My kids seem really prone to stomach bugs so it makes me a little nervous...