You can definitely just flip back the top without taking the windows out and lowering it all the way down with the factory soft top.
Is that what you mean by drivers area?
It works with the windows in, you can lower the top but like I mentioned it won't click and lock down, this cover is supposed to help but I didn't buy the cover so I can't speak to it.
The diabolical slipstream "works" with the soft top. It won't go all the way down and lock, they sell a cover that can help pull it and some people say it ends up being lower than factory with the cover on. I have a slipstream and love it, but I just use safari mode with the front part of the...
It's really best to think about it as a 4 speed transmission with 2 overdrives. It doesn't really bug me, it's not a sports car (we also have a Miata and its final gear is 1:1) so if I can squeak out a little more MPG I'll take it.
25k no issues to report with my 3.6l 6MT JL. I never had any issues with the clutch though I did have the recall done. I replaced the highway tires with 32" Duratracs and put in a Diabolical Slipstream. Stock otherwise. It sees dirt pretty regularly and is also my DD.