So, pretty much the same as the F16 Class then?

On this point I have to agree with you but I think it's worth mentioning that in Northern Europe F16's are predominantly raced single handed. Doing an Event like TEXEL, North Sea Regatta, Carnac, or our Euro's at Como is basically TWICE as expensive as it is for a double handed team who can share the costs. I guess this is one of the reasons why I get a bit tired of people running us down for not entering the larger Events. The fact that nearly all these single handers have families could be another good reason!
As for using the Viper Handicap, I think they would be mad not to.

It's easy to be defensive, but imo the situation has changed. If that is the case then our response as class members should change.

Again imo, when we held a successful US nationals regatta, that marked our graduation into a stand alone class. There were 24 boats in attendance which meant the OA could host us, recover their expenses and make a small profit for their time and trouble. This occurred not because of brilliant leadership but because of the committment by the individual class members. They took the time and spent the money to travel, attend a training seminar and support the concept of certification. Accepting certification is no small thing for a US fleet! It is something new to most of us and took a little selling. The important point is, the fleet accepts it!

My point is that the uphill battle for survival is over. We are spreading across the country, little by little. As a result more people will be interested in the class, some will be interested enough to join us.

So rather than strike back, now is the time to make a softer response to any and all. You just never know when you may be turning away a potential new member.

We will always have detractors. Every organization does. Ignore them or make a civil response, but don't engage in a pissing contest. There was a time when we had no real choice but that time has passed.