Russ-if you look two posts up, I specifically address how the 1/2 oz. would improve one design racing.
As far as other possible PHRF changes you mention-many are permitted under one design since they would only serve to make a boat less competitive. If you want to sail with a smaller chute, jib and pole at a one design event, no one would stop you (and a #2 is already expressly allowed). And if you do so in PHRF, many regions would give you a rating boost. We've gone around and around on the aramid main issue-I believe the only real benefit of aramid is shape longevity, and the many adjustments that can be made to the main can compensate for a sail losing some shape (I'm currently racing with a three year old dacron main and speed seems pretty good when I get rig tune and settings right). The 1/2 oz. chute option offers a unique speed enhancement in light air that would improve one design competition in light stuff (see above) AND would enhance performance in PHRF-which in turn would keep the boat more competitive and therefore enhance resale/potentially help keep more boats actively racing. While it is true that this is a discussion regarding a one design rule change, this forum is for disussion of all issues around J/30 ownership-and enhancing PHRF performance for the boat is a perfectly valid aspect to be considered (in my opinion).
Finally-as I have mentioned earlier, in some PHRF districts (including ours where we have 6 active 30's racing) ANY deviation from one design configuration INCLUDING sail selection exposes us to a potential rating appeal/hit. Obviously that is not the case where you sail. I suspect if it were, you might see the value of this proposed rule change in a more positive light...
