What is a potential consequence of neglecting to dress a knot?

Neglecting to dress a knot can indeed lead to a significant reduction in its strength, which is why the option regarding the strength being reduced by up to 50% is accurate. Dressing a knot involves tightening and arranging the knot in such a way that it optimally aligns the strands of the rope. When a knot is not dressed, the strands may cross over one another in a less effective manner, creating points of weakness.

In situations where knots are used for critical applications, such as climbing, sailing, or securing loads, any degradation in strength can have serious safety implications. An improperly dressed knot doesn't distribute the load evenly, which can lead to slippage or failure under pressure.

While other options present some valid points concerning the aesthetics, difficulty in removal, or potential fraying of rope, they do not focus on the primary safety concern related to the knot's structural integrity. Therefore, the main consequence of neglecting to dress a knot revolves around the potential loss of strength, which directly impacts its performance and reliability in practical applications.