Following up as promised.
That piece is definitely permanent, and it does restrict foot space. I could see the podiatricly-blessed having a tight fit.
As for the lap bar, I had no trouble with it at 6'2"/220, but my thighs are not overly large. (You're welcome for the visual.) I was conscious of the advice on here to not pull the lap bar back as far as possible. Just a little bit was enough for safety and not uncomfortable. DW would admit to carrying some extra weight in her thighs, and she also had no real issues. She said she was a little uncomfortable, but also admitted to pulling the bar back closer to her than she probably should have (I had advised her of not pulling it back too tight).
As for my opinion of the ride itself. Cute was the word that came to me first. Faster and "thrillier" than Barnstormer, slower and calmer than Big Thunder--as has been suspected for years. Theming is wonderful, the lone dark scene is gorgeous. I know many will say it didn't live up to the "hype", but I think the hype was borne out of a lot of impatient Disney fans thinking in their heads it must be pretty darn good to take this long.