The question can also be : how many people that rides strapless does also surf ??? Tons of them NOT !!!,In my spots i laugh internally at strapless riders bs talking about surfing with their kites , when the majority of them only dig the raíl on the wave and downtheline ride it... I also surf and nothing can beat the flow and freedom riding a good wave ,neither can do it strapless kitesurfing watch it as you want ...but you're still slave of your kite no matter how free do you feel without the straps....i see strapped kitesurfing as tow-in surfing , a way to enjoy bigger days with added control ,entering waves at full speed and kitesurfing it VERTICALLY !!,closer to the peak, stitching the wave top to down , applying all the power avaiable at your kite to your ride and aerial exit if in the need.....
Good looking ride in straps IMO it doesn't consists in going overpowered all the time ,but a fine combination of when to charge your rail and when to depower your kite and flow with the wave....Same way, good looking strapless riding it doesn't consists in riding a wave with your kite depowered and in drift mode all the time......Resuming a good blend of power and flow is a must for any style !!
I undoubtly enjoy strapless sessions (do both) when the conditions are right : cleaner lined up sideshores, lighter wind sessions or specific spots...but nothing beats for me the thrill of big waves /high winds strapped sessions....
Regarding jumps , i really enjoy to boost here and there or aerial escape at the end of a wave breaking with my kitesurfboards...
If you said this is ugly , please don't look at foiling freestyle or foil boosting
Strapless is the bigger bussiness for the industry ,same as foiling , lighter and lighter gear that you break in no time at higher and higher prices....