Yes, I like the forward folding version better. We just got a blue 21 at the dealership, and it has one of the remaining side-folding masts. I don't like the folding as well, and you do end up a bit taller. Also, the spotlight isn't part of the whole folding thing, as it is with the new mast.
On the plus side, I think the position of the mast, which is placed further aft on the side-folding version, looks better when it's up.