OK, if you induced too much draft/bagginess by tensioning the topping lift and so when the sail came about it really slammed around because it was way overpowered, then maybe I can see what you are saying. But then, in addition to easing the topping lift, maybe it was time to have been reefed (or reefed more) also.
BTW, a local sailmaker might have better quality sail slugs than West Marine. My sail slugs are sewn in place, secured by webbing straps, so when I broke some I took the sail back to the sail loft..... Ulman sails for me in my area. They sewed new slugs in.
P,S. I removed my topping lift many years back. My boomkicker supports the boom