your approach only works IF both sides regards the issues as major and the relationship as major or high priority. Hence seeking a win/win solution is the best for both parties.. If one of the parties does not see the relationship as major then this approach is going to fail.. Its not it may but it will the only issue is when and how badly the positive side will loose by..

However USSA appears the regard the relationship with cats sailors as a low priority relationship but more of a money making inconvenience.. They do not want nor need a cat class relationship by their actions.. Ergo the letters and actions must vary.. (yes I can also quote Sun Tzu or a variety of conflict resolution books if you wish)

Fact is your approach is bound to fail and fail spectacularly unless USSA really wants the cats in the fold..

Hence you use the same predatory tactics they have employed.. Only be smarter...