I agree with you. When torqueing a bolt, the proper way to do it is to lubricate the threads. I also agree that if you choose not to lubricate, "sure you can get away with it." That just reinforces that this is a fragile product. If the difference between proper installation and catastrophic failure of the product is a few drops of lubricant on the threads, it's a fragile product (or a defective part more likely).