In my opinion the most important feature seperating the teardrop masts from the wing mast is the curvature on the leading edge. With the first it is basically halve a cylinder, with the latter it is an cut-off ellips (the sharp end). The elliptical leading edge has better aerodynamic properties relating to slow seperation and reattachment of the flow further along the sail.

The other aspect is the bending characteristics. Wingmast seem to talk more to you and it is easier to find the optimal setting. Of course the drawback is that you loose the optimal setting more quickly as well.

Nothing is 100% free ride !

Wouter