I have question about heel straps - are they good/safe/recommended/reviled?

The last couple of evenings I've been a bit overpowered and had trouble holding an edge on choppy stuff. This has resulted in one or both of my feet popping out of the footstraps (and the various calamities that flow from that). I have seen some boards with heel straps and these would appear to solve my problem - well, technically my problem is a lack of skill, but they would appear to alleviate the symptoms.

Are they worth trying? I haven't seen many people using them.

I recently bought a board off one WA's hotshot waveriders which has bike tube heel straps attached to the otherwise standard pad/strap set-up. The heelstraps sit over the top of the foot straps when you dont want to use them. I hadnt seen them before so when I asked about them I was told they were only used 'sometimes' to help keep the board on in the surf.
I havent used them yet as I really dont mind my feet disconnecting when the board decides to go where feet dont like to go . Actually quite reassuring to know that that is possible .
Im not sure what the experienced guys will advise here but my guess is they are strictly for the super-competent. I reckon you would be at very high risk of major ankle injury by strapping in at your stage. And remember that the problems you are experiencing are really short term stuff - TOW (time on water) & problem solvered
My 2c - at least wait for some really good advise before trying them.
Cmon you guys who know - is it risky whats the G.O. here

I used bike tubes after i learnt how to go upwind. The trick is to not have them to tight so when you get nailed they come straight off. I have used the proper expensive ones and found no difference except on the wallet. you feel at one with the board. Although after a few months i got rid of them.