I think you made a wonderful choice. Life safety should always be a high priority vs winning.
Regatta Organizing Authorities should not have raced in those conditions in my opinion.
Our J/30 loves sailing with a blade. In general, we do not race with sustained winds over 20 in the South.
Note: You may have had more control with a reefed main vs a blade. We also have a storm jib for winds puffing to 40. With winds like you experienced; I recommend a full crew at 7-8 sailors.
