they go from the furler to the deck blocks, on my rail, to cleat near the winch, so the sheet isn't really sitting on the deck at all, mostly suspended the entire run. They are off the winch, my winches have covers. So what you describe sounds like extra work to me, plus they might be exposed more to the weather. I also like the idea of my sheets being cleated tight, I watched a squall come up once with an unattended boat on the dock in the Abacos, the sheets were not cleated, the furler line either parted or was not secure in the first place, the big genny unraveled and before anyone could get there, it was shreaded, happened fast. So the sheets being cleated give me a bit more comfort.

When we furl the genny, I will walk to the bow for the last bit of it, grab both sheets in my hand, hold them sort of tight and together for a nice tight even wrap 2-3 times around. If there is nastiness coming, I might take 4-5 turns.

cheers, John