Now that this un-dead is up and around... doesn't a little grease on the chainring bolts prevent this problem? I've been doing this for 20 years and have never had one of these fasteners either come loose on its own, or fail to come off at need.

EDIT: FWIW, I have replaced the stainless steel chainring bolts on my all-weather commuter bike with titanium bolts, also greased.