There are some very valid reasons for declaring the start/finish line closed. When you have multiple starts it is very easy to have fleets starting while other fleets are sailing back through the line. This sucks. Closing the line is realy only a problem with a wide start line and a leeward mark that is only a short distance from the finish.

IF you only have 1 or 2 fleets then it isn't a big deal. If you have the manpower, remove the pin end of the line and set a new short finish line

IMHO
Eric Anderson