The only reason it is "higher quality" is because they don't make a lower quality mylar.
The H 17 material is flimsy, one-sided mylar which acquires creases and wrinkles very quickly.

It always depresses me when I see the quality of an H 20 or Tiger sail.
They are a very good quality, double-sided mylar and cost about the same(per square foot).

I bought a new factory sail for my h 17 this spring.
The quality of workmanship was so poor that when I was installing the battens, one of the brass grommets popped off and the bolt rope was too short.

An independent sailmaker can build one out of any material you choose. the trick is to find someone who knows how to DESIGN a good sail.

Personally, I am against bastardizing a boat and racing it.
You usually end up an unfair handicap rating, either for you or against you.

P.S.
Matt, just because you used a sail for ten years, doesn't mean it wasn't blown out after four.