Interesting to hear the first hand comparisons!

A couple of notes, not necessarily meant to poke holes just observations.

Switching from a large to a smaller spin needs to be paired up with different techniques - the smaller kite will need hotter angles to get going, using big kite techniques might not get the most out of the N-20 spin. The sheeting angles may not have been right as well as the luff.

The NE 6.0 and variants use the stock main and jib. Again, I would move to a more modern main cut to compliment the smaller kite and jib.

The 6.0 is still a fast boat, I guess I believe with proper rig development you wouldn't need to manhandle as much.

A number of years ago in the NE-100 I crewed on a Tornado that was going through the transition to the new rig. We had the original pin head main, single trap, but self-tacking jib and spinnaker. I remember coming into the Bay at the end of day one coming upon a 6.0 under spin that was barely under control with the big sail. We sailed right by it with less sail area and far less drama, not even flying a hull. Got me to thinking about it.

But in the end you may be right, maybe the 6.0 needs more ummph. But maybe not...

On the other hand if taking some of the edge off makes it a more enjoyable boat to sail, maybe that's ultimately better even if it results in a slower rating. In the end I still can't bring myself to part with my 6.0 even though I'm a N-20 convert!