Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to window assemblies that include hardware components that reduce stress loads applied to the transparent substrates in such window assemblies. In certain example embodiments, a spacer (e.g., which may be formed from a metal such as, for example, stainless steel or aluminum) that is longer than the window thickness is provided so that loads applied to the other hardware components are transferred along the spacer and so that a reduced load is applied to the substrate itself. Such assemblies are useful in a wide variety of applications including, for example, the transportation industry.