MSR Panhandler potlifter – Horns? Better solution?

I'm a big fan of a bandanna for this purpose. It's the only cotton I'll carry, and this is why. Cotton won't melt to your hand if you get it too close to the flame.

You're probably already carrying one, so no added weight whatsoever. And a single one is usually ~$1.00, so probably one of the cheapest pieces of gear you'll pick up if you don't already own one. Averages 1.1 oz (at least the WallyWorld ones do; YWMV depending on where you buy).

based on the photo, it looks like the horns would prevent the top part of the handle from pivoting too far forward.

What I have thought they were for:

When trying to use the pot lifters on a pot that has its lid on, you can use the upward prongs to push the lid up and catch its lip on the prongs, then attach the jaws to the pot and move it at your leisure.

At least that is what I thought they were for. I have had varying degrees of success with this method though. This seems to be a precarious process, so I rarely use it for that purpose. My pot lid invariably ends up slipping off the horns and falling condensate side down on the dirt. It works ok if the pot lid has a deep rim, otherwise it slips off very easily.