For the most part though, I think sailors at the club level generally show great personal integrity when it comes to following the rules.
AS THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND ACKNOWLEDGE IT..
fixed it for you.. now it fits the world I see.
and that is the problem for the current rules. For example, The laser sailors and their ooching behavior either simply don't see the problem the way the rules are written or have low personal integrity... hmm that is a problem when so many violate the rules... the problem is similar to the sails issues at the F18 worlds..
what has shifted is the understanding of honor and responsibility to call your own. It shifted to... Wait for the foul call/protest.
Certainly, nothing was perfect back in the day... but the norm has shifted and the Judge's POV in the OP acknowledges the change and looks for solutions. I have been unwilling to accept his premise. sigh...
There is no argument that the ROW boat must exercise their responsibility to the fleet and hail protest.
The problem of no protest is bigger then the platform on which they get to stand and complain.... the problem gets to safety and enjoyment of the game by the fleet....
