i guess we all have our own style, my opinion is hobie 14/16s do better upwind while carrying a lot of speed, that means footing. however once you get moving its possible to ease upwind and sail pretty high. i think its a mistake to try to sail high by over trimming , especially in lighter air. if i feel slow i ease main and jib slightly and try to get my boatspeed up, then ease up to the highest course while retrimming the main. this can be a continuing process in light and shifty wind.