<<<<So, with all the above reasons debunked, I've reduce it to one reason that I just can't explain away : “everyone's doing W-L, so if I don't, they won't come to my regatta”.

What do you think, and do you like sailing on reaches? (I know you do!)>>>>

I agree. What ever happened to screaming reaches? Part of the skill of racing is surviving a screaming reach. Avoiding the "dreaded pitchpole" was just part of it. I read somewhere today that most cat sailors have or should have a mortal fear of pitchpoleing. Just deal with it. W/L may be tactically more interesting but the reach is just as much of a challenge...and you can pass if you are good enough.

Rick is "old school" and knows that you don't have to fit a cookie cutter profile to have a good time and get folks to attend.