Simple answers:
My question is in a race should you try and point as high as you can to the windward buoy and not worry about trapping or get out on the wire and go for speed
Point high. If in doubt stay off the trapeze.
Should you use the trap more for reaching [i.e. to the wing mark] and not worry about it on works
Definitely not. You would be using it less frequently on the reaches than on the works. Again, if you don't need to be on trap to keep the sail set then don't use the trap.
If in doubt stay off it and hike.
