Class report official figures for 2012:

(1) FRA: 280 members (old and new boat)
(2) NED: 200
(3) GER: 162
(4) ITA: 134
Europe: 776

(5) USA: 134
(6) AUS: 082
(7) ARG: 072
Americas: 288

If we consider the population of Americas, it is obvious life cycle "product" F18 isn't at the same stage in Europe and Americas.
That explain the different feeling about the evolution.

To be optimistic I think experience of the updated Tiger is a good story.
To follow that said John, I let you breath ;-)
Exchange point of view, is a part of good making for class decisions.