Yeah it does eat gloves, but then any grip will do that. If you want the grip to be softer, then you can run a piece of metal over the tape to get rid of some of the grip. You kinda just smash down the big pieces of sand in the sandpaper. A spoon works well, just use the backside of it. But you have to remember that the stronger and better the grip the more it will eat a glove. One thing i try to do always is to fully open my hand as the spear slides out. This makes much less SHHHHHHHHHHHH noise to scare the fish, and makes the gloves last longer.
AS TO GLOVE TYPE_
I use the kevlar ones they sell in sports chalet for about 25 bucks on sale or 35 full price.. Heres the only picture i have that i took when i was eating some scallops for breakfast and the glove is in the picture, because i use them to help me open my scallops. The glove is in the top center of the photo. Notice how the kevlar goes all the way around the fingers, this is an important feature. Lastly my gloves last about 5 months of spearing.
As for loosening the band you can put a little soap on the hole at the end of the spear, and pull on one side of the band. As it stretches it gets smaller in diameter and can then fit through the hole. The bands shouldnt be tied or anything. If they are let me know and ill address that issue. In case one band is tied pull on the other one.
