Robi, You shouldn't be annoyed.

Trying to force an opponent foul its a usual tactical move in match racing. When sailing Tacticat you are often playing some kind of match race against the boat close to you.

People also likes to play with the rules. I think it a good thing sailors evaluate who is to be fouled and how. And push somewhat the limits.

I agree that it is dumb to try to win using the holes in tacticat rules engine. I think it doesn't pay, in the end.

The only ONE situation we are discussing here would not be clear at the protest room:
A port boat aproching the layline to A-mark tacks. After passing the eye of the wind and before he reaches the 'standard close-hauled angle' the skipper centers the rudders and trims his boat for closehauled. He is now a starboard boat. He is sailing very very slow.
In the water, if you have to change your course to avoid hitting him you can protest him but, will you win in the protest room????

What you (or rules experts) think?

aestela.