Originally Posted by BostonFixed
Too much chain tension is bad. The little play that you describe is actually a good thing.
A too tight chain will destroy your chain/cog/ring/bb/hub bearings.
I don't believe that...
although I'm no expert (but, I have taken physics), it would make sense to me that excessive play would cause extra strain on your chain when you accelerate (start pedaling) and backpedal because you are putting an extra jolt on the chain when it tightens and loosens all the time
I feel like the same would go for the cog and chainring...and if your read hub and bottom bracket are of good quality...it shouldn't matter...you drive train will be tight enough to bind and/or cause major friction while riding before it should effect your hub bearings or bottom bracket
more play would be tougher on your components especially if you are riding breakless (like me) and depend on the drive train and are constantly 'working' with the rotation of the wheel instead of just pedal pushing forward
the only thing I might agree that having a bit more play might be a little easier on (however slight), is your leg joints (knees)