...a good rule change would be to allow boats to continue racing after receiving help when a crew member is in the water. It's not easy to imagine a scenario where they will gain an advantage doing this, without breaking Rule 2. [Edit: And by rule change, I mean an actual change to the RRS.]
In the 2005-2008 RRS, Rule 41(a) permitted "help as provided for in rule 1". That allowed boats to continue racing after receiving assistance for righting, or helping a crew member in the water. That rule, however, was stricken from the 2009-2012 rules. I asked some senior judges why that rule was removed and they tell me that it was for simplicity and consistency. Now it's back to the original way - When a boat receives outside help, her race is over. If a distance regatta wants to permit a boat to continue, then they can change RRS 41 in the sailing instructions.
I hope that helps,
Eric
