Actually, many retro RDs did, perhaps most. Depending on the setup you may be able to install one even if the RD didn't. But the problem can be real; we try to have cables which don't go too slack with the lever all the way forward but sometimes we leave them just a bit tight. But that doesn't necessarily explain why the big ring is problematic and the small ring isn't.

+1 on the benefit of a new chain.