Just finished upgrading my standing rigging with new 1/8" shrouds, heavy duty spreaders with boots, forestay with the quick release from D&R and yes, a flag halyard on the starboard spreader. Being a Navy vet, I have to fly the ensign.
The quick release works really great. You adjust the tension on the shrouds to your liking with the release open. Close the release, which shortens the forestay about 1", insert the pin and the shroud tension is set perfectly.
I have to give this word of warning. Closing the quick release takes a little bit of effort and tensions the rigging, when opening it to release tension to unhook the forestay, keep your fingers out of the way. Try to control the lever as the tension is released, like to cut my finger tip off as it got pinched between the lever and stay. A learning experience! John