If you are going to leave them in back them out a couple turns at the end of the season,that way you wont need a hammer or a rock to move them and can tighten them to the degree necessary for the new season.It is certainly safer to start new holes every year and I would advise doing so.The same thing needs to be done if stands are left in tree's loosen the chain or strap.I had to cut a strap a couple of years ago to get a stand down because the tree grew so much in a years time.
Lastly with tree steps I would recommend pulling the bottom two or three steps to discourage curious kids who may stumble across your stand tree and want to climb it,especially if you have backed out the other steps a couple of turns.