John,
Many times people with nothing better to do with their time over think  
things. This happens to be one of those issues. My boat is an 88 model and spent  
the first ten years or so on a mooring and the remainder tied at a dock. I have 
 all original rigging and sails except for the main which I replaced last 
year. 
With the redundant rigging of the R22, how much weight would it take at the  
top of the mast to put a strain on it. As a charter member of the R22 extreme  
sailing team, I can attest to the strength of the R22 rigging and systems. 
You  will have to work very hard to break a Rhodes 22. I've tried for years to 
break  my Rhodes and never have done more than lay her on her side. (That's 
another  story involving a lot of rum)
 
Rummy