^ Having seen it in person, I can confirm that wrlomas' setup is indeed pretty sweet. The only things I could think to add are a jacuzzi and a staff masseuse for the ultimate biking/touring machine.
I agree. That's the standard feel of the FZ6 clutch....Your description of the clutch is normal...
You can replace the LOWER clutch lever(literally above the clutch cover) with an FZ-07 lever. It spreads out the engagement range and softens the pull a bit..
Your BIKE ramp sounds fine.
I think I would make another ramp (2 x 8 plank or aluminum ramp) for YOU to walk up on adjacent to the bike. Some sort of attachment to the tailgate (hole with a bolt sticking thru the ramp into the gate)..
I would still have another person simply to at least hand tie down straps, etc as your setting up. It's way to easy to dump the bike at that time..