'am I reading too much into this'

Maybe. BUT, better safe than sorry.

I have never put any car up on four jackstands at once. Can't do it.

One end of the car is always sitting on the ground on its wheels with the wheels blocked. Stability is the reason.

If I must take wheels off, I put something solid under the car in addition to the jackstands to catch the car if it does fall off the jackstand. I prefer solid wood blocks, like sections of tree stump, or sections of 12x12 (railroad tie)

I have laid the wheel, with tire, that was off the car, under the car when I had nothing better.

The point is that something solid can provide the few inches that could save your life or limb.

I could care less about stressing the car body.

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