so when it's honking (like the +/- 27 knots), is it still faster/safer to run the spin downwind?
It is faster to run the kite in breeze. If you want to win it is what you have to do. If your plan is to win the war attrition you don't run the kite and that's my opinion only. I have had very skilled sailors tell I'm flat wrong about not running the kite in breeze. If you want to be safe you stay on the beach.