Well,to explain myself a little more clearly,I beleive that the 2nd ring should be tighter than the 1st ring.The second ring is designed to be a scraper ring primarily,but it does have some sealing properties as well.If it did not,Total seal probably would not offer a gapless second ring option.
That being said,I would rather open the first ring up more to let trapped pressure back in the chamber,rather than have it blow by into the crankcase.
On the no second ring deal,I think it is a tossup.
Similar to running low tension oil rings,etc.Most of those need to run a vacuum pump to help keep crancase pressure to a minimum.All in an effort to get less ring drag,or due to rod length/pin height issues
Keep the ideas flowing please,Iwould like to here more on this,maybe we all can learn from each other.
Or maybe just me!!