Claus had the right question
"What type of boat?"
For the H20 pinching is death, got to keep it rolling. Probably true for 95% of cats.
I/we've tried to use downhaul in the puffs to no avail, as we struggled madly with hull popping while learning this boat. A top sailor at last year's Nationals told me he sets downhaul, (for the conditions) at the windward and leeward marks and leaves it. I'm of this conviction, it's all personal preference, what works for you, to keep it rolling, is what works for you.
We saw the main and steer gently.

Thanks for the great suggestions and we'll be experimenting. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Timing that gust arrival moment is always tricky, seems they happen later than what I expect.