I have never had a problem or heard of a problem with the stock Slammer snaps breaking or bending out. I've used them for many years myself and don't really see a need to change them out.

As far as waiting before the retrieve, the only time I really do that is if it is extremely calm. Every so often on a calm night you can throw out and let it sit and get fish to blow up on it that way. I had a humongous toilet flush on my bait once doing that but the fish didn't eat it :( That's kind of a rare condition though.