Only lures I have with singles are the "needlefish"... but I don't remember losing many fish on these. I think they are either hooked or not with the single... unlike a treble that may grab a little bit of skin, but not really enough to hold for long. Thus the quick releases we get?
Definitely see the single hooks being better for releasing, better action and easier to untangle from other lures if needed.

didnt some one bring up at the meeting this year that the large single hooks were fatal for the smaller fish as they pierced out the eyes, brain etc. i thought i remember that the smaller trebles were supposed to be better in these regards.

Good question / point fishlessman. I wonder if a single size 4 circle hook might be a good compromise. After all, they're supposed to hook themselves when hitting a lure, right?