Double edged sword this Q.
Either way if you have a 'major' its unlikely that the filter will catch all the crap as once the element becomes partially blocked the by-pass will allow everything to enter the rest of the system. Most 'spin-on' have the element held in place by a spring/plate affair that will deflect to allow by-pass action.
Jac Mac
That's interesting, following advice from a Mr Yunick, we disabled the by-pass altogether and installed 2 extra long remote full flow filters on my SBC installation in the Penske Camaro (wet sump). Was that good advice? (in hindsight)