I raced PHRF with an A3 and symmetrical last year and no change in my PHRF. It works good though a small TWA. Also I find it faster on the pole, but yes you end up with 5 lines. I have my tackline rigged forward of the bow off the stem fitting that makes for easier sets/douses and gybes, then I switch it to the pole. Heavy air I can just stay on the tackline. Its is also a good heavy air sail, as it is a smaller/flatter/heavier chute.
I started playing with a M24 (the runner) chute as well before I got the A3. The M24 chute is bit small (I think about 60 sq feet smaller), but works. Problem is you cant reach up enough with it to fill the reaching gap. Mayber the M24 reacher would work.
