Having done lots of background research on hardtops over the last few years
I've had a vague hankering for a hardtop for years, without ever really being sure why. I've never really been able to answer the question
"What is it about a hardtop that is better than simply having the soft top up?"
and the follow-up question "Would it be easier to modify the fabric hood to be more like the hard top?" with additional layers, stiffening, or insulation maybe?
If it's just a look thing, then in my view it's not enough in my mind as the obvious disadvantages of a hard top are not enough to compensate.