The only reason to have a shelf foot is if it's mandated by one-design rules
OR you
get a rating hit for a loose foot. The shelf adds nothing to the sail except a
place to catch rain water.

Douglas, I never said they were better. I only said the loose foot wasn't
better and that the shelf foot was safer if you lost the clew slug.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
Trains are a winter sport