I use mine almost every day for the last 4 months, sounds great, battery lasts a full day easily. Dropped it off the tailgate, been rained on, and surviving pollen season right now. Just hose it off and wipe it down. It’s been a feature that initially I wasn’t sold on, but I use it now so...
Get some Sil-Glyde and rub it on the freedom panel weather seals. They pop when the top flexes. Just needs some lube.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KXLR5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SZzwEbXMHSNF8
I hate to be a contrarian but the front axle can’t be a fulcrum because a fulcrum is a fixed point and the front axle is unsprung weight under suspension.
I had both tops with my JL and can say unequivocally that the soft top is louder. Over the top wind noise is about the same, but sound transmission from the back and sides was night and day.