I think you would be surprised where you might end up with all your monoslug experience - I know the guys you speak of well.

Honestly, I take a little offense to your approach (perhaps it's because I'm still cranky from the 14 hour drive back from Ohio yesterday). I do travel all across the country and spend money on this sport but I hit the race course in the morning with the mindset of "what can I learn today?". Yeah, I've had my DFLs but I have learned a ton, am a much better sailor for it, and only spent a very short while in DFL. Don't knock it till you try it.