I think you got the gist of it. It is not only aging to worry about with the rings. A new one can still get hooked on your lifejacket, harness or wetsuit.

I wasn't recommending removing the box. Just ignoring it. I had put that in for the other lad missing it, although I realize that he has ordered one. I also intended only one line for the jib. It is permanently tied on one side. Hoist the jib, pass the line through the hole and tie on the other side with a little slack. I had a barberhauler system for sailing off the wind. This pulls the jib leads outboard to open the slot between the main and jib. I wanted the whole leading edge of the jib to rotate around the forestay. For your purposes, this isn't entirely necessary.
One other thought for you eric. Don't be afraid to sail that boat without the jib when sailing singlehanded. It will still tack well and you don't need to worry about handling the jib sheets. Your helm won't feel much different either.