try keeping the traveller full on and sheeting block to block, and if overpowered pinch. it also always appears as if the people in front of you are pointing higher but they actully are going at the same angle you are
I am 180-185lb. The general rule I have is once there is enough wind for me to sit on the gunwhale (~5 knots) i am b-to-block or 1-3 inches off it.
The traveller is always as tight as possible but still allowing the mainsheet block to pass over my tiller when I tack.
I use an intensity sail for practice club racing. The sail points just as well as a class sail. If you tack directly behind another, (within 40 feet or less) boat you are going to get their dirty air and you will not sail as high as them.
try keeping the traveller full on and sheeting block to block, and if overpowered pinch.
Draft and cunningham makes the different I have found. I use very little cunningham unless I am overpowered (I am 185lb).