I have seen the Taylors fail at the routed groove. It is definitely more susceptible to impact.
I don't believe vibration weakens the glue. Hot hide glue is naturally brittle as soon as it cures.
Below the bridge, the force from the string tension is pulling up on the top. That will not cause the braces to pull loose on the ends.
As has been mentioned, the primary reason for inletting braces below the bridge is to account for incidental pressure or impact on the top from the outside. Above the bridge, the force is downward......hence the necessity of inletting the braces in that area.
Are the inletted X-braces responsible for the 'Martin sound'? It probably is a small contibutor.
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