The problem with dropping traveller is that you aren't really changing the shape of the sail, just the angle of attack. Another issue is that you are presenting more sail to the wind coming from behind if you stuff it and the apparent wind comes around. You're actually compounding the problem of putting more pressure on the bows. Easing the main will open up the top too, but you're also changing the shape of the sail through the middle to a more powerful shape, which can help pull you out of the bows plowing through the water scenario and get moving again..

You should pretty much just be dropping off traveller to reach up, like if you're overstood, and can't carry the angle you need to make the mark. Being a singlehander, I don't trim the main downwind unless it's really out of shape.