Does everything need an asymmetric kite?

'Great Aussie Skiffs, Shielas Optional' · Originally posted by Do Different

   I ask following the RS200 SRS question.
I guess they came down from the skiff classes but do they really work that well on slower heavier boats, 12ft rotomoulds?

There was recently a very informative thread about the maths of sailing high n fast vs deep running, did those maths apply all the way down the scale of fast to slow boats?

GRF thinks in some cases even the Alto would go better running deeper still.

From a design point of view there is an argument for the simplicity of symmetric kites, especially with some classes employing a swinging pole. To have a swinging pole you need string, blocks and strength in the bow, where it is accepted wisdom that the lighter the ends of a boat are the better it will perform. A symmetric kite in simple terms only needs a pole and a ring on the front of the mast. 

Perhaps widespread adoption of asymmetric kites is part fashion and part perceived ease of use.

I know from my own experience that I was very nervous going from a Buzz to a symmetric kite, big free floppy thing that I imagined it might be. In practice I quickly adapted to it and embraced the choices it offered, the Buzz did sometimes feel as if "the tail was wagging the dog" whereas now all the options are mine to get completely wrong.

Perhaps even, boats such as the Icon with their big blading off mains make kites redundant in some circumstances.

I have no answers but so many questions. 