The braid in a braided metal (flex) hose assembly has a couple of functions when under an applied pressure. The primary function is to prevent the axial extension of the bellows due to the pressure loads (P x effective area of bellows). Therefore, the ends do carry tensile loads that need to be reacted. Secondly, the braid provides secondary support to the bellows for reacting hoop stresses (the braid acts like a Chinese finger trap and cinches down on the bellows). Additionally, the braid provides the bellows protection from damage.
As mentioned in the previous threads, proper orientation of the hose is key to its longevity. It is important to limit any structural load inputs (especially torsional) into/through the flex hoses.