Its funny how fashion effects our thinking.

when they first put kits on Tornados, everyone had the cleat on the beam. Word then passed around that it was much easier to pull down than out, so everyone moved the cleat onto the mast. Having had a good look at all the boats at the asia/pacific championships I'm pretty sure 9 of the top 10 boats at the upcoming worlds will have the cleat on the beam. Justifications varied between different people examples I heard were:

Its better for hoisting in rough conditions (you have to stand up to get full advantage of the on mast system).

It makes for a cleaner tramp layout without the loose tail flapping around.

Its easier to cleat.

Less holes in the carbon mast

Bundy and Gashby are doing it this way so it must be better.

On a side note, as someone looking to join you (single handing an F16) could someone talk me through a top mark rounding. Particularly are you hanging onto the tiller while hoisting?

edit: if you go to a single line system make sure you have a knot in the tack line that hits the tack block. Set it so the kite can get into the bag but no further. This should help with some of the tack line issues discussed above. I do it on split systems also.