I have taken the time to draw a loose strand back and other times cut it.
In the long run I'm so redundant that strength would not be a question if one strand was sniped out of the cover.
And the only times I ever busted a rope was pulling logs out of a ditch with a truck, and more than once, but no consequenses ever came of it either way.
Working up in the air for over 40 years I never had a rope break. And I'm proud to say that.
In spite of my big wood image I'm actually a weenie when rigging work over structures. There I've always played it ultra safe.
And without knowing you personally, Brendonv, I get the sure feeling you play it safe too.
Don't worry about that one loose strand. There's always other things not so obvious that need more attention.
Oops, I'm rambling.