[/quote]There are other kites which after a short period of adaptation I'm sure I would be perfectly happy with. [/quote] This^ It also applies to bars/lines as well. But do you want to adapt or just have you gear work the way you want? As long as it is a minor adjustment, no problem. If it requires...

Tether, much better than drag launch IMO As with everything kiting, it depends on each individual scenario. If tether is an option, maybe better. But not always an option. I have had to do rescues of others and ended up in places where tethered launch was impossible after I got them sorted and back...

No need to touch the rear lines, especially when just learning this method. Getting the angle right is the big deal. If you twist the kite just a bit until one wing tip starts to catch some wind and then picture an imaginary line through both tips, that is the line you want to be on. Back up until t...

It may be the only launch you have but that sounds just terrible.

If you have enough board speed and the room, you can try and turn 'upwind' fast to get some tension back into the lines. Doesn't always work but what does?

That pretty amazing, balance and leg strength both.

Not sure this will help but I am 72kg and rode the Vanguard at 5'2" and it felt too big and floaty/bouncy for me in 15-25 knots with a 10 m kite. So it should be fine for you. Now I am on a Vader 4'10" and it is way faster turning and more fun. Still planes up almost the same with the right techniqu...

Out of curiosity how much extra wear does it cause on the lines?

Nice although never thought I would see the phrase
super steady 55 mph wind!

Yup, think most would agree with you
smaller kites, smaller gaps
larger kites, larger gaps
Sort of trying to keep the percentage of change similar

So an example would be 6,7,9,11,14or15