Harken used to make a unit similar to the Hobie-18 system - the furler drum fits below a stainless bridle attachment piece - that would be preferable so you don't lose as much on the forestay lenght, IMO. You might try trolling for a used Hobie-18 furling set up.

You can use battens on a rolle furling jib - however they must be conifgured properly. Some boats only have a batten near the top of the sail, and if it's flexible enough it can roll right up (Hobie-20). In other cases the batten pockets are moved so that they are almost parallel to the luff of the sail - they still give support to the leech of the sail but can be rolled up. Most modern boats offer a furling or non furling jib, with the battens configured appropriately.