Thanks Chris. Sounds like there could be another schism in the fleet to me. Mine currently has three of the forged shackles bolted to the mast foot fitting, to spread the load. P&B put them there when replacing my chewed up old mast foot deck fitting, as that was what the Northampton folk were doing at the time. It does mean that two of the three purchases are further forward (and so closer to the outhaul).
My current thoughts were either new floating blocks with a dyneema attachment (so it can be extended), or just adding in soft shackles to move all of the existing kit aft a bit, given I can tie my own.
The other thing is about whether it is better to have the kicker pulling the boom towards the deck or the mast I guess? I'm sure I've read something about this, but can't remember the pros and cons. I'm also still trying to break your old superspars carbon treetrunk, in case anyone wants to enlighten me and that makes a difference.
Hope you are getting out on the water.
Jon