effectively what the new rules push for is much more limited scope for any designer..
The "back door" bungle will force designers to place the main beam at only one position.. Forward an you will need to increase wetted surface area to balance the CB.. Aft and you may as well not bother with the genacker..
The "in front of the bows" allows the main beam to slide up and down the boat without effecting the rig in any large way..

Your comparision doesnt work either.. The 49er as most skiffs have their jib luff in the deck! Cats have theirs on the bridle as you described!.. If we raised the jib on the 49er as high we would be on the cat we would be what up to half a meter too short!!! So this example is a complete slippery lop argument.. Doesnt work in logic or theory..

If we are "parked" as compared to the F18 as described by Rick.. We are in serious trouble...38% as against the 18hts???? and 600 meters in a leg (not sure how long we are talking) against the F18s.. Im concerned we wont sail against F18s here with parity..