Chook2: Really like the natural corrosion block. Never gave it a thought for metal applications. Used thinned linseed on canvas mast boot with good success, did stiffen the outer layer but the under-layers stayed pliable.

The LLm appears quite satisfactory for your varied surfaces and wind speeds. Locally only a few beaches, no dry lake beds and light winds majority of the year. We get some Northers (Dec-Mar) 12+ knots and then it is mainly a lite air sailing for cruising sailboats. Looking for options for a 75 kg pilot, compact enough to fit in a VW Lupo, and with enough sail to move in light air.
Oh yeah there is one other landsailer within maybe 100 kilometers, it would be nice to be faster!

Near 24° 10.818'N 110° 26.364'W (The other Southern California)

75kg is a great weight to build a mini for, maybe a 4.5-5m sail you'd be fine in 12knts