Ok so since downhaul isnt going to be a very big factor on my boat...

I should therefore be applying tension to my main with main sheet. That being the case, should I ease up going into tacks then sheet down hard coming out of them? Also should I be sheeting down harder during puffs?

Typically Ill dump a little air during puffs with the traveler but Id like to keep things under control through tension of thats whats effective.

Smiths Cat, do you mean that you hold your main manually without using the cleat? Is this the main sheet or traveler?
Don