Are there any sailors that would like to compare and contrast being in a HP to Woods account in a cat, for the purpose of understanding safety in a HP?

Can that be done, respectfully?

Like Rob said in his first response: more length brings more stability. Central cockpit is less likely to get soaked. 

My humble opinion is that maximum length and beam are good for safety during extreme conditions. Keeping windward hull to windward (at least to some degree) will make life a lot easier and convenient. And like most storms: most boats can take more than their crews so sea kindliness and crew comfort & rest are more important to safety at sea than most understand. Tired and scared people make mistakes and wrong decisions that will cause trouble in extreme storm.

Arto