... forcing me to put my boat in irons, and literally pop the jib, lift rudders and centerboards to back up
Ummm, that's not the right method to back up a cat.
Next time starting from in irons try pushing the boom over hard to leeward (so it starts to backwind) while holding the rudders with the blades angled to leeward (ie. pull the tiller to windward). Boat will beging backing...feather direction with the helm. Now you've got a reverese gear!
