If the SI's say 5 knots as determined by the RC, then the RC needs to have a way to confirm and record thier desicion as Rick did. I recall reading in the BLOG that the RC read 4.7 knots before that race. If that is the case then the race should be thrown out per the rules. It's about expectations. This past weekend we sailed at a small mountain lake. We know going in that it will be light and shifty and no one would even consider questioning the RC.
At a week long National event(in the ocean) there is no reason to push it when there already had been 5 complete races when the race in question occured. As for heavy teams having an advantage in heavy air, thats old school. The best H16 teams are at minimum weight and do the best in all conditions. The sailors have figured out how to rig and drive the boats in all conditions.