I guess it comes down to how many compromises you are willing to make. If you choose a large (140 -150%) jib you can't reef it below 110 or so, and probably not very effectively. If you choose a 110 jib you lose in light air. There is always the engine. I've seen many boats with a furled jib and the main up powering when the right sails wouldn't require an engine. Fine for daysailing but if you're travelling a long distance you really can't or don't want to turn the engine on much. Except for battery charging but with good solar etc it hopefully won't be necessary.
As far as lowering a jib, rig a light line through a small block at the tack of the jib with a fair lead to it. Run the line up through the jib hanks to the halyard attachment. When you want to lower it sheet in the jib and pull on the downhaul after releasing the halyard. The jib should fall inside the lifelines and won't flog much if kept sheeted in. Here's a link to a full explanation from Practical Sailor.
http://www.practical-sailor.com/marine/jibdownhaul.pdf
Brian