we changed to non-self tacking for a few reasons.

•  it is easier to be dynamic in roll tacks ie being able to hang and roll harder  by just hanging by arm before tack. You can be out there for longer during the tack
• there was less disturbance to the shape of sail in light to med conditions,as shock cord does not pull wire in and the depth is not disturbed.
• better vision for skipper.
• less chance of getting stuck when mast raked and the self tacker part getting caught with boom, with you stuck to leeward in 25knots!
• its faster once you get used to it
• able to wire to wire quicker
• during pre start when you are moving around alot and rolling boat thru tack etc you can be alot more mobile.
• basically a much better way to do it.
• its safer thru the tacks as some times the self tacker may miss the new side and you go out on the shock cord.

The crew still has to unhook to go forward. thats not different in either case.

One of Richards points rings epecially true for me, getting stuck on the leward hook as  the boom goes to leeward the kicker gear makes it even worse. That has happened to me a few times and i dont like it one bit. bad place to be. life safety is something I think about alot. I have come close a few times lately!