On Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 4:09:07 PM UTC-5, wrote:

the 13.5m seem to have gained glide ratio - going from 37:1 to mid 40's:1

As a recreational pilot with small interest in contests, glide ratio seems much less important with FES. If I'm planning to land with the batteries half discharged, the FES will greatly extend my range for the day (and give me the same range as a higher L/D ship). If I'm flying XC with friends with better L/D ships, I can run the FES between thermals, compensate for my inferior polar, and keep up with the higher L/D ships.

If I ever compete it will be in handicapped club class, so 37:1 seems adequate.