Possible a worldwide recall . I'm either waiting for things to get better or get a 2.3 myself when I order . I'm in no hurry maybe the V 8 will replace the 6 cylinder.
I'm sure you will be fine . 18 wheelers do ten and 14 hours a day all week long with a stiff clutch pedal.
I personally would go with the 10 speed auto.
You saved money going base bones . I'm getting a basesaquash with a big motor , huge difference in off road performance but the average Joey won't know trolling the mall .
Do the roof rack make much noise at highway speed ?