Just a hunch but after digging about I understand that the comptip was added after legal hassles and pitched as an upgrade and retro-fitted.
I suppose the decision to go to boomless was also supposed to be upgrading the boat. Having sailed a boomless boat for some time I can think of lots of reason that this is not so.
Is it true these two changes were made at the same time?

Ignore that question. After a little more time on Google I see the 17 was designed with the comptip.

So, let's see. The comptip has been designed at start with the 17 but in Europe they are sold with all alli masts.

I have to deduce the all alli mast is the better bet.

How are people finding the boat once flipped with the taper?
One of the things I love about my Nacra14 is that I could go turtle on it if I tried because of the large mast volume. A discussion I found on google suggests the comptip creates problems because of the two piece mast and more possibility for leaks.

I don't mean to sound like a woose but I do not like having to ask others for assistance at sea.

Any and all righting experience on 17s much appreciated.