I think with the belt it takes longer but is gentler.
I think it packs itself in, no matter what. Unless one really pigs out and have very bad posture without thinking about it (the gut hanging out posture). I was in a pain, could care less about some uterus packing processes, but can imagine the belt brings a relief since it does the work without the muscles being engaged. I think it is more for the back muscles support, which then make sure you stand straight. Don't mind the bf/ff debate, we are just lovingly poking eachother. As long as the relevant info gets out and moms know they do have a choice.