Michael - I have not actually compared the weight of hanks vs a tuff luff but, in order to be competitive in the J24 fleet, you need hanks. Maybe its because of the ease in taking down the headsail and the control of the sail on deck. Maybe its weight. Maybe its both. Whatever the case, on a proportionally identical boat, the benefit should be the same.
If the rig is set up as described in the Sailmakers rigging guides (max rake and all that), then the backstay is almost unnecessary under 12-15 knots. So, it should be very loose to start with. Thats the way ours is setup. I have some considerable roach in our North mainsail. So much so that I have to push aft on the backstay to get the main to go through in light air. So a loose backstay is required.
