They're just meant to reinforce the handle connection. It's still plenty strong without them, though. They break because the transformation involves you pulling the handle portion down and away. Normally, you'd have to finesse those tabs out of their slots, but if you just pull the handle down ignoring the tabs, then it's pretty easy to break them.
Unfortunately, he can't do the choking pose, as he has no bicep swivels to allow his arms to come together.
Bah! Looking back at the pictures, I see what you mean. So basically he'd only be able to grab Prime's shoulders and give him a good shaking?
The Beavis & Butthead Experience? I just realized why I was confused when you said 99 Ways to Die was from the Last Action Hero Soundtrack. It wasn't on there, it's on this B&B CD.