oh nice. i have 3 hardtops(109,35a2, 816) and a soft top(35a2). the soft top is "my" truck. i think i like it soft. i took the top off enough to fold it forward, onto the hood to install electric wipers friday. was alot easier than i could imagine a hard top would be to get off. as far as noise, well... theyre all loud but i think the soft top is a bit louder in the drivers seat. as far as insulating, the soft top truck is warm enough that i turn off the heat or crack a window but it is a tad bit drafty at the cab corners. when i replace the 3 color one on it now, i think i will go with a tan one just for heat deflection in the summer.
if the channels are still omg tight after cleaning, like the passenger side was on mine, ya can spread them open a bit. i did and no probs at 65mph. had to do it once just to see if it would.
for what its worth, thats my thoughts and observations on the matter.