I believe the classes are based on two quite different ideals.

F104 is getting as many popular current french boats together and racing them without using the handicap system.

F16 tring to get a boat which is a fast as a f18 or A class for the price of under a f18.

It's a benerfit to cat sailing if both classes work well.

The spitfire is a competitor to both classes, even thought both claim it's in their own class, but spitfire sailors seem quite content sailing within just there own class.

When I bought my own f16, I would have gone for spitfire if it was just for the racing, f104 if i wanted a cheap second hand cat to race.

But I like the ideal of one/two hander boat,light weight, and high spec boat.(plus with it been new it was at lower price then the new f104 I was looking at.)