When I suggested to another member in another thread to consider tire chains as a possible traction aid, I was told they can cause quite a bit of damage to the trail. This isn't the first time I've heard this, but the world seems to be divided into two camps of thought: those that claim chains destroy trails, and those whom believe chains actually prevent trail damage by reducing tire spin as a result of improved traction. I've never used chains, but in all likelihood will buy a set of four for use in snow as well as off road situations. I see this as the ideal alternative to loud, fast wearing, bla bla, et cetera, bla Swamper TSLs.
What do you guys think - driven carefully, with conservative application of the skinny pedal, will chains mangle the trail? Let's assume the use of double/ triple diamond pattern rather than a ladder type chain.