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If you bypass the speed sensor then all you need to do is pull the emergency brake up one click (enough to light the light on the dash) and you can raise or lower the top while moving.
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You may find yourself accessing the speed wire if you install a head unit that adjusts volume with speed.

 

As a new owner, I always thought the car had to be on when putting the top down. I feel dumb for not even trying it the other way now

 

Engine on, whenever possible. I've had battery troubles in this car before, and the obvious strain put on the electrical system when the top goes up or down made the decision for me.

I typically put the windows down separately as well. Two fewer motors running while the top's going down.

 

My two year old lightweight 17 lbs battery doesn't have an issue with putting up/down the top without the engine on, so if you're running "dangerously close to killing the battery", you already needed a new battery or need to start cleaning connections. There will be periods when the car sits for weeks and I still don't have a problem (it sits on a trickle charger/desulfator over winter).

I don't have a preference... but I won't start the car just to put the top up or down.

 

On or off, doesn't matter to me. As said, if the battery is dying because of this, then you need a new one. The amp draw is way less than the capacity of the battery.

 

Wow, must have missed that page in the owner's manual, been operating the top with the engine on all along.

IMHO, just another reason to wonder why they bothered with a power top. It takes much longer to operate than my old Miata's manual top.