3/4" Teflon plumbing seal tape, very cheap.

Double wrapped two mini glue sticks --laid it on thick. Made a bulge in the middle. (Best results start wrapping at one end and keep it snug-tight the whole way, fatten the layer by keeping the winds close. This way there's only one piece of tape the whole way)
After it set up, I pulled one out. No problem at all. Smooth reliable, didn't even stretch the glue stick.
I want to measure the force required to pull it out. I'm guessing about 30 pounds. I don't yet have way to measure this.

I think this now meets all design requirements: Tight 1" diameter half-loop, 1/4" ID finished smooth hole, flush to deck.
Cheaper than any other fitting, probably stronger than any other fitting. (Maybe we can arrange a deck line fitting contest of strength--hold it at Muscle Beach....)

The 'mold' wants to 'spread' (angle outward) on the deck-top. If you tape the two ends parallel, they'll fit the holes better and can be centered.
What I also found is that by wrapping a thick layer of Teflon tape, the sleeve/mold filled up more of the 3/8" hole.

A neater finish might be to drill a larger hole, built it out with thickened epoxy, then re-drill 3/8" and install. (In any case with the line in you don't see the edges)

The Teflon tape works so well I think it should be possible to make holes of any diameter. Need a 1/8" diameter hole for a safety string for a compass? wrapped a piece of insulated electrical wire and sleeve that. (You'd probably have to trim a notch to have it fit a smaller hole). The Teflon tape solves two problems. First, it slides really well. Second it thickens the mold material, but distorts and moves when you pull the mold out--in effect 'shrinking' the diameter of the mold.

I ordered an inexpensive digital scale from Amazon (In the past year digital measuring tools have become almost free. ) When it comes I'll measure a pull out and share it.

I guess if some want to insist on using polyethylene tubing, (I can understand the need of some to be kinky) maybe wrapped the stuff you pack inside the tube with Teflon tape. Wrap the outside of the tube.