The torque of a clockwise rotating system is into the paper or away from the
viewer along the axis of the system.

Looking at an inboard drive system from the stern, if the propeller turns
clockwise (torque towards the bow) and the blades are pitched so the thrust
is directed aft is there less strain on the drive system than if the pitch
of the blades were opposite directing the thrust aft for the same sense of
rotation?