When it comes to seeing the "TRIM" the free foot has it all over the
closed foot.

By "free foot" I assume you guys mean loose foot. A loose foot does not have
it all over a main with an optional shelf foot. Loose footed mainsails are
pushed today by sailmakers because they are easier and cheaper to build. The
usual 3 pitches a sailmaker makes to the customer is 1. that when sailing
downwind the outhaul can be eased more to make the sail deeper 2. there is a
little more unrated sail area and 3. the outhaul might be easier to work since
there is no foot bolt rope or slugs to add friction. My problem with a loose
footed main is your in a bind when the one and only slug at the clew breaks. I
just bought a new main this past spring and I was given the loose foot pitch
but I opted for a shelf foot. And I race.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
Trains are a winter sport