I use the roof rack for skis/snowboards. So, I put it on around Dec. 1 and remove it around April 1 each year. That way, I can take the MIC off in the good weather. It takes me 75-90 minutes to remove and/or reinstall the roof rack. So, seems worth it to me a couple times per year.
Not sure what you mean by having to take the rack apart to remove, it comes off as the entire unit. Just took mine off yesterday for the first time. The front attachments are simple to undo whereas the back clamps can be a little finicky. The rubber gaskets that are between the rack and the roof stick to the clamp preventing it from sliding down. I used a small screwdriver to wiggle the clamp to get it to drop. I also had to use a board to gentle pop the rack up off the roof because those same gaskets were sticking to the hardtop. I plan on spraying the gaskets with some silicone spay when I put it back on to make it easier to remove in the future.
2 people definitely makes it easier and prevents any scratching while taking it off. I did it by myself by wrapping a towel around the front and rear attachment points on one side, then pulling/sliding it off from the opposite side. I also have rack pads on the crossbars which did help with it sliding off without doing any damage.
I have both the OEM full rack and a 1/2 rack. The OEM rack we use with a Thule Ski rack for downhill & CC skis. The 1/2 rack is used for summer to carry beach gear and /or camping equipment and allow us to take off the MIC roof panels when weather permits.
I removed the roof rails on outer banks last week. It's the only way to get the center hard top off. The rear clamps that hold the rails seemed a little awkward to release. Plan to leave the rails off all summer or more. Don't know about the hoist yet...haven't invested in one.
The half roof rack from Hooke road is pretty cool! I would imagine one could build their own hoist and attach to that to remove the entire rear top section.
