Semi retired. I agree and disagree about lever binders. I pulled alot of oversize vehicles in my heyday. I found that when hauling some loads, a lever binder is much easier. I do agree that ratchet binders are better and safer for most all other loads. I carried 12 of each when i ran drop deck, and RGN.
No Cheater Bars for use on lever binders are not illegal. Some drivers prefer to use a hallow steel pipe as a cheater bar. I personally used the cheater bar with one end for use with the lever binder, and one end is for use on the winches. I even took my second cheater bar, and bent it with a slight bow in it for tight space use.