Even before I raced, I upgraded the downhaul on my Hobie-18. I usually set it for whether I was upwind or downwind, didn't play it for puffs, but if the wind came up I put more downhaul in. I pretty much used it that way even when racing.

The Hobie-20 was very sensitive to downhaul - we could be driving upwind and control the hull flying by playing the downhaul and leaving the main trim alone, very nice.

The 6.0 as that way too, although we found ourselves again playing the sheets and traveler more for some reason - probably because the luff was stretched out (old sail) and just taking the wrinkles out used up much of the range. Would still adjust the downhaul for point of sail and for changing gears when the wind went up or down.

The N-20 we seem to work the sheet and traveler more, but still pay attention to the downhaul more than setting on the beach.

My advice - whether racing or not, fix up your downhaul and learn to use it while sailing. I think you'll be happy you did.