Hi Darryl, Bernie, Wouter & anyone else interested.
I think what we`ve learned from F16 growth & non-growth in certain areas can perhaps give some valuable insight as to what might or might not work.
Firstly, from this thread alone it`s clear to see that F14/16 must grow in different regions in different ways, such that it promotes the greatest level of interest in the specific region. In F16 this has lead to allowing non-optimised F16 boats such as the Mosquito to become "part of the class" which has helped F16 get a foot in the door in countries where it could otherwise not exist, like South Africa, and has been beneficial to both parties.
Locally you might have to improvise on the class structure to get buy-in from local sailors - At Bernie`s club this might mean having a spin. & non-spin. class separately if numbers allow, or perhaps racing on handicap within the class which seems to work for them now. Ultimately spinnakers will filter into the 14ft open class, it is still just as important to attract sailors who don`t wish to sail with one for whatever reason - you might win them over in time, but not if they lose interest & pack it in to take up another sport.
I think the US guys are on the right track, get as many sailors of older generation 14fters to upgrade what they have & compete with newer 14`s such as the Mystere. That way the new generation boats don`t make the older ones obsolete.

Good luck in making it happen !

Cheers
Steve