I''m afraid I have to differ with some on this subject, downwind sailing to a victim is the least form of controlled sailing, yes you might be able to aim at the victim better but you have a much better chance of over running them while downwind, additionally a quick stop while downwind is nearly impossible as is heaving to. IMHO, and opinions like butts, everone has one.
On using headsails for a MOB pickup, great stuff especially when shorthanded,
harnesses in any moving current will drown the poor bugger for sure.