Putting a small amount of rake in the IMF mast will not put any substantial  
strain on the bearings. The bearings are made out of a Ultra High Molecular  
Weight polyethylene that can take a lot of abuse without much wear. In fact,  
this material is used as a bearing material without lubrication in many  
manufacturing and food processing machines. 
Backing the R22 requires using both the motor and the rudder for best  
control. It takes practice, but you will get the hang of it. I would practice  
somewhere other than at your dock. Open water is the best place.
This list is for Rhodes owners and we like to talk sailing, but many of us  
have dealt with the same topics for many years. Since we own this list, we are  
allowed to discuss anything that we want to. Perhaps it's time for Michael to 
 post the charter and rules.
Rummy