I notice that most of the tecs say strain off the sludge.

Is there an actual reason for this? Anyone ever leave it in and see what happens?

My last attempt didn't seem to go so well. I suspect the salts precipitated to the bottom of my boiling pot and got discarded.

Anyone here ever leave the MHRB in through the non-polar extraction phase? Anyone know what horrible things might happen from not straining?

No need to filter out MHRB powder, doesn't effect results that I have noticed. Just make sure you mix it thoroughly so that it doesn't get clumpy.

it is recommended as if you brew properly, there should only be negligible amounts of alkaloids.

just plant matter and tannins - which can add body strain and cause a premature purge.

but other than that there is no real reason to strain it.

unless you plan on fining the brew (like say with an egg white) in which case it is highly recommended you strain it.