@JoeFaust produced an interesting information about a single skin paraglider on:
1.05 kg with an area flat of 16 m², and an area projected of 13.63 m².
If such light wings could be used in AWE, they could stay aloft even in almost zero wind, possibly during a slight action of Reverse pumping. So landing and takeoff operations would be rarefied.
In addition, and in relation to the current subject, the “big ears” device could be improved for specific use in the reel-in phase, further reducing the projected surface, and also reducing drag.
This video linked shows how these “ears” work (2:20):
Another link about “big ears”:
Now a device control at the ground (OKE Precision Winch "Reel and Rotate" Technology) would be better unless an ultralight pod control could be implemented.