Lifelines & Stantions?

Here is a picture of a couple of Catalina 22s without lifelines and stantions:

Click for larger photo

The admiral says it doesn't look right.

They just get in the way of going forward.
Thay are too low to keep you on the boat if you are on the coachtop.
They chafe the sail when close hauled/closed reached.
Would not have to skirt the #1 when close hauled.

I would epoxy the four holes for each stantion, 16 less places for leaks.