Lots of info on an earlier string around this subject. Heavier cartridges and heavier arms will result in more stress however my polling of people who actually own linear arms (air bearing arms) does indicate that the better quality arms do not show a significant track record on causing damage. I currently use a zyx universe cartridge with Silver base, Airy 3 with silver base, and have used a VDH frog with no problems. My Maplenoll apollo has a very short arm that is ceramic and the air spindle is a light weight material. I did upgrade my ariadne reference and signature with a carbon fiber wand and spindle with fantasitic results and those modifications dramatically lowered the mass. I have used my universe cartridge many hours with no deflections or damage to date. That being said, lots of feedback from some very passionate and knowledgeable people who prefer pivots strongly advised about the potential damage you are refering to. In addition, there is a basic mechanical fact in that the stylus does carry the horizontal vector force resulting from the lateral movement of the arm.
However, 6 years of linear arm use and several thousands of hours (i listen to a lot of music)of use has never resulted in a problem.
However, 6 years of linear arm use and several thousands of hours (i listen to a lot of music)of use has never resulted in a problem.