HI
Generating more and ongoing interest in T class is paramount, so don't take what i'm saying here as anything negative about the class.
My take on all this is that no matter how you slice it, to be fair we must run boats with similar power together. Not similar driving experience. (Like any other class)
A 49 is simply not competitive with a 56. If the 49 were allowed more compression or whatever to get similar power to a 56, then it would be fair. As Don said, people will loose interest if they aren't competitive, for what ever reason.
I have already got a taste of this myself in 25ssH. My rig is too heavy by 25 lbs, (OK...I'm too heavy) and my motor had a scored cylinder plus other issues. I did my best but was very frustrated to see others pass me with sheer speed.
I should mention that OMC never built a 56 Stinger / Hustler. Every one of them is a Frankenstein.
So to be clear, if you are going to run 56 against 49's, the 49's should have more leeway toward mods, IE compression > 160 lb. OR;
My choice would be 49 is a different class than the 56's, yet run together in the same race. (Scored separately... like the other classes)