Mizzen Running Backstay Block Sizing

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
Yes, that is what I said in the "Apprentice." To be fair though, note that the backstay loads I refer to are for the mainmast, where the heavily-loaded jib is the opposing force. No such load can come to the mizzen, even with a mizzen stays'l.
I had quite forgotten about the low mizzen S.F. recommendation, I admit. And I don't think I would ever actually go with it now.
As for your current main backstays, if they are doubles, then yes, you won't be able to fly a mizzen stays'l. But if they are forked -- or you can convert them to forks, -- then you can. Recommended for this and other reasons.
If you don't fly that stays'l, then a truly teeny set of runners, made off to light belays, will be fine. Just consider function and load.
It's called a springstay.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss