I'd consider putting a winch or stopper and/or cam cleat on the ends of the traveler (i.e. not in the middle, but on the port and starboard sides). The leads from the center are "messed-up and, as you say, you're usually on either side of the cockpit doing other things -- like trimming the jib. With your autopilot you might be behind the dodger on a dark and stormy.

You can release or trim the main from either side if it "ends" at each side rather than having a swivel cam cleat in the middle.

Send my a shot of some of shots of your cockpit and I'll doodle-up something and send it back to you. You can use my email if you wish (GriggDC@aol.com).