straight elbows on Rings

I recall Edouard Iarov in 1994 explaining that beginners should do 2/3 of arm work bent, only 1/3 straight.

Why?

They need to develop strength across the elbow joint before putting too much load on the straight arm.

Gymnastic Bodies Chris Sommers goes into the specifics.

Coach Sommer:

The elbows and biceps need to be gradually prepared prior to beginning strenuous iron cross training. …