I wouldn't panic too much about the pole down the centre, my previous stingray had one and the block for the mainsheets was attatched to it. If you pad it up you will make a lump that is harder to slide over. You will soon get used to avoiding it if you dont make it any higher. I would take the boat to a club day and let an experienced person look at the beams to see if you can do away with the centre pole, everybody that looked at mine said I could do it no problem I just needed a combined main sheet block and traveller. The only advantage it gives you is when your stepping your mast it gives you secure footing and can make an old tramp last a hundred years because it only droops a little. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Just my thoughts regards