One thing that hasn't been considered in the discussion of pros and cons
of using the pedal lyre to support the grand when tipping it is -- you're
not putting the *entire* weight of the piano on the lyre, because two of
the legs are on and supporting most of the weight.  Thus the lyre is
supporting only about one-third of the piano's weight.

Every professional piano mover I've dealt with has used this technique,
and I don't think they would continue to do so if it damaged lyres, which
would cause them loss of time, money, and customers.  For those who say
it has damaged lyres, I suggest these must have been lyres that were
already weak, or the movers were inexperienced or careless.  If done
properly, it is safe to support (one-third) of a piano's weight on the
pedal lyre.

Larry Lobel
Virtuoso Piano Service