Mary,
I will ask the mothies tomorrow. I do doubt that anyone has done any real tests on air drag/resistance.

a few thoughts based on observations not experience.

Having ropes slip thru the open webbing panels and potentially catching, may be an issue. I dont know but there isnt much room on a moth. Nor much stability and things happen fast. So anything that reduces the time to react will end with a swim. A main that sticks will see you swimming at least every second go-about. A kicker rope that doesnt release is a swim at the top mark.

Secondly comfort is important. As the videos show the moth is a huge workout. Fatigue is a real issue. A fatigue means a slow responce which means swim.

I know, from one sail on a slim skiff moth (yes really really experienced ), that even experienced skiff sailors will swim a few times on the way to the start line. It was a a 1km away. Thats my excuse and Im sticking to it.

Stewart