FWIW.... I just finished my first regatta in CRAM. I have never raced against any A cats before and I was surprised I was able, to a large extent, keep up and point with them upwind. I was not able to get them all downwind. I got a decent number of them. The A cat sailors in this bunch are no slouches. I used to think that 2up was the only way to go, but I am not sure anymore. I like sailing solo better anyway.
Btw, CRAM is a great bunch of guys. I look forward to sailing with them this summer.