Lu,
I think the metal loop on the in-feed side of the cleat will help you.
Look at your first picture in the post. You will see 2 sets of holes for the wire loop to mount under. One is directly under the cleat, and the other is about 1/8" lower. I've found that using the lower set of holes creates a lot of drag when releasing the lines in light air. I re-mounted my "loops" in the upper holes.
All I know, in the early 50's one is less fit than if one starts into the 60's, especially if one sails continuously Laser (Prove f.e.: Peter Seidenberg, Wolfgang Gerz etc. ...). There is much hope, Rick....but hopefully hanging off the side of a dinghy will enable me to approach my 60s a little fitter - Dankeschön!
No. I have made a hint to this aspect (->alternation of the original XD-cleat-setup by adding 2 wedges under the cleats is not permitted by the so called "Fundamental Rule" of the ILCA class rules for the Laser) already at this reply here: http://sailingforums.com/threads/wedge-plate-for-the-xd-cleats.16534/#post-129820Are these wedges class legal?