I was referring to the tension and load on the chain and chainrings while pedaling. Because of the mechanical advantage of the crank, the load on the components in a normal setup of say 42 teeth, is about twice as much as the pedaling force.

As the chainrings get smaller, the mechanical advantage of the cranks increases. You really can't get a chainring smaller than, I think 32t, so the mechanical advantage and the load on components is probably not going to exceed 2.5.

However, in an extreme and ridiculous example, someone with access to a machine shop and a vivid imagination might get the idea of machining a set of timing chain cranks to accept a really tiny chainring or even a modified rear cog, the thinking being that this could be a way of saving a few grams. At the same time this could cause chain tension go up 3 or 4 times pedaling force.

We can agree that this is a crazy idea and that no one, not even the most extreme 'weight weanie' would try to do this. I mention this only to say that, while pedaling, as chainrings get smaller, chain tension goes up, and so does wear on components.