I may do this as well. But with single-line reefing from the cockpit it’s not obligatory to do so. Easing/luffing the mainsail out far enough allows me to reef it while keeping way on with the headsail.One reefing strategy I use is to reef the head sail first then furl the mainsail.........this depowers the boat sufficiently to controllably reef the mainsail, particularily if single handling and on autopilot.