Greg,

When heading to weather I do try and let the foils provide the lift to keep the boat running "high" You generate speed and let them provide the lift, not trying to stear for height.

Raising the boards is a depowering tool. Off the wind and down wind you should be able to feel acceleration as you apply more power to the sails. At the point where the hull is flying before the boat accelerates we start lifting the boards.

If the sails are really out of trim or the crew weight is grossly out of position you will experience rudder helm. It does not sound like this was the case, more like another gremlin, did you get a chnace to compare the 2 set ups?