Jackdaw, with any system properly maintained and serviced, systems will work to include CDI. Over the years as a dealer, I have seen so much and only if you had been there with me to have seen what I saw which is why I make the statement above, CDI on my trailerable boats was the way to go for the application and if properly maintained there were very minimal issues just like the others. You would be surprised who said it was a good system. So I have to disagree with you but trailerable sailboats I use to sell were not designed for racing and the application was good for me. At least we can agree to disagree.
Ward, you said one thing that caught my eye and it is the confidence and trust you have in your rigger, Rich, and that alone is worth a million in my books as so many out there will try to sell you anything not caring about the customer and it sounds Rich is one whom can be trusted. Like I said, it is you buying a furler and what ever you do, buy one that will fit your needs and one that it appears will be serviced by one whom you trust.
As for Jackdaw I do trust and value his good comments and judgement which he has helped so many over the years with his great knowledge of boats, systems and racing. Thank you Jackdaw for all of the controbutions and keep me them coming sir.