Gene maybe you can shed some light on this for me..........and anyone else of course

In seven star fist (Qi Xing Chuan) the hand position is held in a pincer claw position...what is the reason and how would one apply it to a situation...i understand that in the days of old qi xing practioners would perform iron finger qi gong and tendon change excercises to develop massive finger, hand and wrist strength.........are the fingers splayed out representive of a grab, strike, etc......i get the back hand strikes and the hook over...........etc....but why spread finger...we where always taught to keep our fingers tight together as if bound by cord when in a palm position.........

thanks for any help