Huh, I'd say it's your pack Jeff. I was going to say that i wish they made the Superavanti with the metal rings. I have the Fractio, but I don't really think that extra waist strap does anything. I've thought many times of cutting it off, but it's where the gear loops are. Scott, I need you to sew me a few loops in my waist belt so I can cut that thing off there.
I could see how skin/fat getting pinched in there would really suck. I don't think that would be as likely though if you were in a cavesuit, even if you had a little extra 'round the middle.