Shortly after getting my 1988 H16, I also went through the pitchpole initiation and immediately decided that I didn't want to do that anymore. After some research, I decided I needed to rake the mast back and that has seemed to help quite a bit. To do this, I ordered a pair of modern shrouds (shorter than OEM, for 1988 at least) and added a bridle chain plate to make up for the gap in the forestay. Of course, solving this has created its own problems: excessive weather helm, the need to switch to low profile jib blocks etc. But hey, you need new job blocks anyways, right?

I also recently went to the #1075 blocks (see Hobie Accessories Catalog) and agree that they are GREAT. The cleating action on them is so effortless and smooth that I am now eyeing all of the other cam cleats on the boat.