Schaefer is confused.
If that be the case, you are using the luff 'wire' to roll the sail, a tourque rope would be a MUCH better choice than a wire.
http://www.southernspars.com/souther...uildpage&p=361
If you 'tighten' the lay on one half the strands, you loosen the lay on the other half the strands. Build in a large safety factor and change the stay often....
On many race boats the system you are describing is used WITHOUT an additonal headstay. Whoa!