Here is an interesting video from Mad Matts , 4x4 , down under & it high lights a death from recovery from using a hitch . I personally think its was the drop hitch that caused the issue , but I'm no expert .
I agree, Michael. Moving the tow rope attach point away from the center of the hitch receiver changes the stress on the hitch tube, drastically increasing the bending stress as opposed to axial stress. Clearly, it was enough to shear the tube.