>was Gavin still sheeting block to block with this set up?<

YES, he stressed he liked a flatter main with mast forward (& for more rig tension). Easing the sheet in the puffs, and travelling out to depower.

>It seems to me that this set up would favour the pre /02 jibs.What are your thoughts on the new jib cuts.Are they a big advantage? <
I do not know if it favors pre /02 jibs.
Yes, post '02 jib points higher with flatter entry, and though not obvious it also backwinds the main less.