All this reaching finish does is spread out the boats making the actual finishing of boats further apart.
That is probably the actual purpose of the reach leg. It spreads the boats out a bit, and exposes the sail numbers better - making it easier for Race Committee to take finishes.
That's exactly why it's done, and it's fairly common practice in dinghies (Lasers) and small keelboats (Solings).
I don't always agree with it, since it creates a convenience for the RC at the expense of the competition - and in cases like Tony's - competitor tactical uncertainty which can lead to "incidents." There are other ways for the RC to deal with a large fleet and downwind finishes that don't force a short, follow-the-leader finish leg.
Ultimately, it's what the class/fleet is used to - and wants - that counts.
