and it didn't work well -- always had to be careful to raise the main with the TL on the proper side of the roach (same side it was attached).

My current boat only uses the lazy jacks (and the sail when raised) to support the boom. That's a better arrangement but I still clip the halyard to the boom end when I leave the boat, and snug it so that the halyard takes the load on the mooring (not the lazy jacks).

I agree with others who wrote that lazy jacks and full-battened main work really well together. Add a sail cover (by any name) that stows rolled alongside the boom and zips at the top and it's a great setup.