... for years when I have crewed on SEVERAL different boats.
I have never seen the "catch rain" position properly set. It has always been in the wrong position on EVERY boat I can recall.
Wow! What a revelation!
In order to set that type of reflector in the "catch rain" position, you need to have some sort of bridle for the reflector... not just hang it from any old flag halyard with the pointy end up.
The photochromatic glasses issue is also interesting...