I think that as NASCAR, the cats really work. Lots of leads changes, high closing speeds, incredible physics (30 knots in 10 knots of wind?), skippers falling overboard, real danger from those razor- sharp foils, spectacular pitchpoles, unprecedented real-time information right down to VMG. It sorta takes your breath away. I watch for the same reason I watch snowboarders make suicide runs down the Alps, even though I am merely a recreational skier. Foiling cats relate not at all to my sailing world.
I think it's silly to require human-powered hydraulics when the hydraulics get that important. Really? four donkeys plodding straw in a circle to power the grist mill? And we see their heart rates? I'd prefer allowing powered pumps, and allow the entire crew to make themselves useful sailing the boat. They'd find things to do.
I also think the NFL should put every player in a carbon fiber naphtha -powered golf cart. It would up the speed of the game, and the carts could have sponsorship stickers like the America's Cup.