I've always trimmed my battens as short as I possibly can - they stick out less than ½". The loose end of the tie is tucked back into the batten pocket.

The main halyard is looped behind the gooseneck which keeps it out of the way. I have an Aussie jib halyard which stays pretty much out of the way by itself.

The secret in light air is to push the battens across, not drag them across from the leeward side (which almost always seems to leave the top batten hung on a halyard).

From the new windward side, have the crew kneel, reach up and grab the end of the lower batten and push forward and to leeward. The sail will bow to leeward (with the wind's help) and pop free on the leeward side. Works every time!