Notice the top material will stretch out on long high speed drives, but then will shrink back to being tight.

When the top is up the aerodynamics suck the material up and stretch it. When stretched the gap is much reduced.
I say the gap is normal.

 

My 2001 unit has a similar problem(about 1" gap when closing motor stops). I have found that unlatching, and unhooking the passenger side first works when releasing.

To close, I hook the drivers side first(a little easier this way), then the passengers side hook, then I pull them both up at the same time to seat the seal evenly.

Its a little bit of a pain but I figure the top is nice and tight that way and, it seems to me, that the tighter the better.

I suspect that age, like in my joints, will loosen it up.

 

Mine does the same. I unlatch both simultaneously but occaisionally on side gets caught when it pops up. It will loosen up.

 

mine does the same. it kinda bugs me too, cause to reach over to the passenger side latch, I gotta put it in neutral, two clicks on the e-brake, reach over and latch it back up, then roll up the windows (cause its a tight fit) and then put it back in gear.

Sondra's car does not do this. The latches go down quite easily. Then again, it could be the life of her top - she's had her car for well over a year longer than I have.