To remove the belt or not remove the belt that is the question

I try to take good care of my stuff but never felt the need to go that far. I don't think VPI is going away anytime soon, when you need a replacement belt they'll be there. Belts left on the turntable 24/7 last years in my experience. I suppose a case could be made regarding concern for the miniscule amount of pressure the belt applies in side force to the bearings, but those are pretty robust.

Jameswei's got a good point. I imagine you're doing more harm than good by frequently stretching the belt to remove it from the pulley.