Not sure a reduction on mast height gains us much as its such a small triangle at the bottom that you gain, and that doesn't lower the COE very much. And I tend to agree with Wouter about letting the sail weathervane if required.
Also, don't see that the stayed rig is that much more complicated, but do agree that the freestanding is faster & easier to rig.
Too my surprise, most who I have talked to so far have elected to go after the stayed rig because it will allow trapezing, and these are the kids talking, not their parents who don't seem quite as sure about the whole thing. In the words of one kid.....why should I hike all day when I can trap and go "zoom"
Cheers
RG