I would welcome an alternative to the hook and ring (Tornado type) system. The hook and ring is a real pain to try to drop in a hurry on the water. Twisting the mast while hauling the halyard while twisting the mast back while, darn, do it again, while holding on to a bucking boat while twisting and turning the mast....

I liked the convenience of the old knob-on-the-wire and that is still available for external halyards.

I don't think the factories are considering the safety of being able to drop the main in a hurry while on the water.