Hi pkikenny,
Thanks for your thought provoking posts. I certainly agree with some of what you say and have already addressed trap height ajustment and sheeting the spinnaker inboard from the sidestay in my rigging of Altered. Although your pictures could prompt some alterations before launch.
I must urge some caution though, in the sheeting of the spinnaker as individual designs can have a bearing on this. Eg. Mosquito at 7'2" wide sidestay sheeting, has a narrower slot than Altered at 8'2" wide sidestay sheeting. Also pole length/foot length of spin. effect the overlap or not of the spin. with the mainsail which effects the size of the slot.
I must say Iam a luffer rather than a choker. Certainly you will get more power to get you on trap. flying a hull etc. by sheeting closer/tighter, but speed can only come from a clean exhaust so I am back to easing the spin. luff until it curls as soon as the hull is out and drag has reduced, reducing the need for power.
Remember the F16 motto the only real need. "IS THE NEED FOR SPEED". Yeah and being a bit crazy doesn't hurt either, especialy for us one up sailors.
Regards Gary.