I aim to validate ideas before implementing them.  I have quite a firm basis for analysis and the predictions are close to reality.  Unvalidated ideas are opinions.  There have been many ideas that do not get past validation.  

The biggest benefit in terms of performance has been getting the hulls smoother and controlling the fouling better.  A heavier displacement hull performs distinctly better in light winds if it is clean but in heavy conditions its wave making dominates the drag so cleanliness is less important.  This is not the case with the proa as wave making is only ever a small fraction of the overall drag.  I have now got some ability to quantify the impact of various levels of surface finish on the boat performance.  A pod is not going to do anything for smoothing the hulls and keeping the fouling at bay.  

The point is it is worthwhile having a firm basis for determining the relative merits of various ideas before making changes.  The value in smoothing the underwater surface and having a relative thick layer of ablating anti-foul is high compared to other expenditure.  We also have developed a means of using a net pulled up on the outside of each hull and supported by a buoy on the inside for doing a quick clean every few months or so.  There is not much point going sailing if the hulls are fouled.  It responds like a wet dishrag.   In summer it is pleasant past time to give the hulls a scrub from the water.   So far we have not investigative any form of active fouling control.

There are not many Harrys in operation and the configuration is still under development.  So I am betting there are many more ideas still to be tested.  A Swiss knife pod would not be high on my list during the design and construct stage as a means of enabling future options.

Rick