Back on the seat issue. I've been thinking rather than scoop out the ridge between the two rider positions, I would fill the driver's seat with more padding to sort of raise it up to where the passenger seat starts.
that may well work, YMS. if you do it please be sure to post your results (as well as your source of the padding) here.
i think i mentioned earlier that my mod didn't exactly turn the seat into a barcalounger, however i'm starting to get used to it.
but not so much i wouldn't go hacking at it again.