Thanks for the story! I totally agree with your point and folks over here are starting to "get the message" also!
One question- (and I suspect the answer is yes)- Are you hand launching your spi out of a bag on the tramp?
Per your point I noted in the Spring Fever regatta one of the crews with a (functioning!) snuffer system had a big advantage over the non-snuffered crews in terms of launching/ retrieving very quickly and keeping the boat moving fast the whole time- This was often worth several boat lengths on each downwind leg. I found it interesting that the top F 18HT's (which have NO jib but are 2 person!) were all utilizing snuffers! I understand a number of our European colleagues think snuffers aren't "manly" or some such but they argue to the same point you were making-
