Jake - Check out any windsurfing sail these days. North made some similar to what the "third worlder" describes. I have those sails, and the adjustment is pretty sweet. No, you can't move it over an inch or so, but you don't need that much slack adjustment if you put the right sized battens in.

And I tensioned them and forgot about them.

I also agree that when it comes to battens and batten pockets, one design classes are pretty much living in the past. But that's also a strong point, knowing that I don't have to jump into every latest thing to keep me in the middle of the pack (my sailing skills keep me there!) keeps my budget in line!

I was in the arms race in windsurfing, and collected a quiver of over 12 sails, replacing them every year to be competitive (not to mention the 7 boards), and I wasn't even professional level! Today (less than 2 years later), I can barely recognize the equipment they are using!

I see the benefits of both one design racing to keep sailing strong (allowing the average budget to be competitive), and the development/formulae class to push the envelope (like that new fangled M20 and the Vectorworks x-boat) for technology that can be used to upgrade or establish another class.

And if we REALLY went high-tech and exotic, you don't NEED battens. The radial cuts and "smart" materials would hold the shape. Some NASA/Military projects even have material that can re-anneal after sustaining a rip or impact, or change properties under different conditions.

Imagine controlling your mainsail shape with a laptop.... Or better yet... Voice control...