Thanks a bunch for the replies, everyone. Matt93SE, eye opening thread, that was an unexpected mode of cage "loading," but the worst ones always are, right?

My initial plan had me just randomly placing the main hoop at the edge of the rear seat platform, as noted in my first post. My intention was to provide as much seat room as possible for the potential of other drivers in the car for enduros, etc. But, thanks to the replies here, I'm gonna look out for #1, lol!

I did speak with one of our regional tech guys last night, not chief of tech, mind you. He had cited examples such as the Neons putting the main hoop pretty far back as examples of the validity and precedent of not having the main hoop literally at the B pillar. Just to cover myself, I will be contacting chief of tech, but I don't expect to have any issues. Now on to selecting and ordering the seat.