Stuart,
This is really a personal decision relating to whether you see yourself as a Cruiser or a Racer. I have Dacron sails and slab reefing on my Bavaria 38 but have also sailed on a Bav 46 with dacron, in mast furling and an old but well maintained Bav 50 with composite, vertical battens with in mast furling.
I can point to 30 degrees apparent, as can the Bav 50. The Bav 46 is lucky to get 35 degrees ( closer to 40 degrees) apparent. The Bav 50 appears to be exceptionally fast and its sails seem to be well shaped.
If I was concerned about speed and had in-mast furling I would get the vertical battens and possibly the composite sails.
My wife is demanding that we get in-mast furling on our next boat. I am lazy when cruising and if I have only a short downwind trip, I often go under Genoa alone because of my laziness.
Enjoy your sailing
Craig
s/v "Shirley Valentine"