Dave,

I don't race but enjoy sailing in good winds. I find the full basic harness to be comfortable and don't really notice much that I am wearing it when I am on the tramp. The biggest problem is in the pressure in the crotch area but I still haven't done anything about it after all these years. You might be able to hook up and lean back without going out. You might have to adjust the position of the dogbones. It is possible to come unhooked if there isn't enough tension on the hook

I can see where someone racing might not care about the shoulder straps since they are probably moving in and out a lot. For cruising, I like a good breeze where I can get out and stay out with full support.

Howard