As a sailor, not a rigger, I can't comment on your first two questions, but I do feel qualified to comment on the reefing system.
My comment: Like Brian Said.
At work I sail a number of boats with single line reefing systems, and I hate them all. The friction that builds up in the system requires the use of a winch to pull the reef down, and there an enormous length of line that has to be cranked in. Great for bulking up your pecs, but a real pain in the real world. They are supposed to keep you back in the cockpit where you are imagined to be "safe" but I find myself going to the mast anyway to clear some kind of issue when the sail goes up or down and when reefing.
Simple is best. With the system Brian suggested as an alternative (single line for the clew, and hook or other attachment for the tack) I'll race anybody with a single line system to put a reef in under any conditions.
Bill
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