i definitely feel that all bucks go through stress during the rut, and that having dominant mature bucks around wont eliminate stress on immature bucks. I have seen many immature bucks chasing does and fighting with eachother in NY, NJ, and in multiple areas here in PA where I know there are mature bucks around. Near my house I know I have at least two 4.5 year old bucks and one nasty tempered 3.5 year old who likes to fight everyone even if he knows he will get his butt kicked. I also have a lot of does in the area and overall too high of deer numbers. this year i have watched multiple 1.5 year old bucks square off and go at it for long periods of time, as well as chasing does around in the home turf of the older bucks. Having the older bucks there certainly hasnt stopped them from rutting and under going some kind of stress. I dont feel there is any true way to tell if having a dominant mature buck in a herd will decrease the testosterone or breeding related stess of younger bucks in all areas across the country. and i also dont think there is any true way to prove that dominant bucks will have less antler growth then inferior bucks in all areas but i feel that both arguements are justified and certainly could be true in many cases.