Peter:

Good question...my guess would be that IF there are no burrs, rough spots or separated sections at couplings, it probably would not make a huge difference in insulation wear. Couductors will expand/contract slightly during normal use so.....

But then again, has anyone encountered any failures caused by the conductors shorting out or to the conduit, where it's possible that this rattling was the primary cause?

Iwire, togol, any such experience in your areas?