I received a phone call this morning from a friend of mine and he asked me to clarify what is happening with the restraints. Raptor trains were originally designed to utilize a floating pads on each strap to provide ample cushion for the extreme negative forces that are characteristic of the ride. He knows on good authority that the Texas State Inspector would not sign off the ride with the floating pads, but was ok with no padding for whatever reason. The park decided to forego any further delays and open the ride while they wait for RMC to ship a redesigned pad that covers the entire strap. These new pads should arrive and get installed sometime in the next few weeks.
My friend stated that the back row was unbelievably intense and he could only ride two times in a row before wanting a break. Despite this, he did not have any bruising on his shoulders. The person in the photo likely marathoned the back row, maybe accruing a half dozen laps or more. These bruises are certainly an extreme case that shouldn't happen with one or two rides, and will not be an issue at all when the new padding is delivered.
Railblazer, on the other hand, was certified by California inspectors with the floating pads. It's not clear whether California's Great America will stick with the floating pads or switch to the full, fixed pads.