I usually change out the hooks and keep the existing split rings. But I do change out the hooks on almost every lure....call me crazy, but it's about confidence.
Yes Bo, our buddy knows what he is taking about regarding this issue, but as we've been told by the "experts" is that this is purely anecdotal and lacks science. As far as the science, we all know it is good if they have enough sample data, which we all know they don't.
Forgive me for the crude sketch, but I've never been a fan of the kind of split ring plier mechanism on the right. The one on the left seems to work better. The Texas Tackle ones are very good.