This is related to Knothead's challenge to use cambium protection. The issue also came up in a hammock camping forum (debating if the ropes used to hang a hammock do bark damage).
Does anyone know of any research that has been done about cambium damage or resistance to rope injury? Or are there official guidlines that have been established for arborists in regards to tree protection?

Most of the bark damage occurs from a "moving rope" system over the wood. Using a "fixed rope" system where the rope does not move, like with SRT, incurs little to no damage. A simple tie off of a hammock overnight or for a few nights would incur little damage as well because the rope/sling is not moving-abrading the bark surface.

A trees' vascular system is encased in a rigid substance unlike the soft tissues us animals have to endure. Therefore they are more tolerant to things treading or hanging from them.