One of the problems with this sort of stuff is "tick" for "tack". Yes, they are bothing you no question. But when you do something back to them expect it to come back to you with just a little more just because they feel obligated. It can get real ugly. Can't give you the answer to your problem, but it is something to consider.

After having a few stands stolen, we move to a 1"armored cable and have had no problems. Yes, the cable is worth about the same as the stand, but at least we know the stand will be there in the morning. I believe it would be easier for them to cut the tree down then to get through this one.