The tornado jib before and after the 2000 change is the same in overall area.

Source www.texelrating.org

Tornado classis jib area = 5.20 sq. mtr. (with luff length = 5.62 mtr)
Tornado (upgraded) jib area = 5.22 sq. mtr. (with luff length = 5.87 mtr)

The luff lengths don't seem to differ that must either.

So I agree with Rolf here; the guys you spoke to must have misunderstood the jib change,

Wouter