Did you try the front bridle cit setting on wave? That might give you more forward flying and help get more vertical jumps. I don't have a 17 but in theory might help.
Getting rid of pulleys has a lot to do with cost. Consider their cost compared to the rest of the kite. Quite a factor so they remove them and market it up yazoo as more feel blabla.
I use corecell M80 20mm and it bends on a rocker table without heat just pressure.. I would think 25mm would as well but maybe not. Depends on how steep you do the rocker.