I am usually up to speed with much of what is going in in the HCA. I heard nothing about division chairs being surveyed about the 16 with spi. Maybe it didn't have a chance to make it to the local fleet meeting level.
I think the Hobie class should let our leaders make decisions when neccessary.
I am quite sure if I was in Chris's shoes I would have spoke with my vice chair and race director and let them know I was going to support the one time change and allow the Alter cup to add the spi. I don't see a problem. It doesn't change class rules and it is not an HCA event.
It seems that in recent years(IMO) that when the HCA has had chance to offer an olive branch to the rest of the sailing community we shoot ourselves in the foot.