We take ours to the Woodward Dream Cruise, it's really a Dream Crawl - slow and slower. No problem at all.
I will make use of second gear a lot, just keep rolling some and it's way better than first. Go for it
What I personally would not do is let anyone sit on the back deck. With all the hydraulics for the top my concern would be damage and repair expense. I don't think it was designed to also be a seat.
Beyond that; shoes on the center console? ....perish the thought!