I have a 1996 +4 4 seater with headrests.
I do not have to remove the headrests or lower, fold or in any way move the rear seats. I have the standard traditional PVC hood with tensioners fitted.
There are no snags of the type you describe and I can have the hood properly erected or taken off in less than 5 minutes.
I do have to take off the headrests to fit the tonneau cover, but doesn't everyone?
Because the hood fabric comes right off the car leaving only the tubular frame (which folds down flat) I can always access the small boot space behind the rear seat to remove or insert all but the largest items (for which I just lift the frame a bit while I do it).
I just do not have the problems that you describe.
I have seen the modern 4 seater with attached hood fabric which doesn't fold away so neatly, I assume it is more convenient but I am very happy with mine as it is.
