We have a bimini, and really like it.  It does help with the dog days of summer and the sun beating down on us.  We leave our bimini out all the time, but we also have the option to fold it up (keeping it on the frame), and have a protective cover for it when collapsed and folded.  This gives us the option you also desire not having a bimini.  It folds up against the backstays.
Our bimini does not extend over the dodger.  So we have about 2 1/2 feet of space between the dodger and bimini to let extra light in.  We do have a connector that zips in between the bimini and dodger in case of rain, colder days, or when we have had too much sun and want to relax in the cockpit.  There is also a window on the bimini between the backstays so I can monitor the mainsail shape.
We have had no problems with fishing, BBQing, using the swim platform, or maneuvering in tight quarters.  I'm 5'11", so not quite your height.

When it comes time to replace the bimini, (its 20 years old), I'll probably add a full enclosure.  I do the sewing myself, so cost would be significantly lower.

Hope this helps.

I have a good-quality shade canvas that snaps on the aft edge of the dodger with more than a dozen snaps, and ties to the backstay and aft rails. It works a treat even when sailing and can be completely removed and stowed in 15 seconds. Personally I wouldn't go with a bimini as I like the flexibility of the canvas shade. (Also, last week I was in an east-facing slip and I was able to simply flip the shade forward over the dodger and it covered the front dodger window and blocked the fierce sun that way for a few hours in the morning.) If I had a couple of thousand for shade I would build a hard top dodger instead. 

My $0.02.

Jake-
We also have a Bimini with a separate Connector to the dodger. I only use the connector at anchor (helps keep the dew from condensing on the cockpit seats) or in bad weather to shield from rain. The Connector does obstruct my vision from the the helm, hence I like sailing with it removed. I'm like you with a preference of open air sailing, but the Bimini does give tremendous relief on the hot days, and importantly, a sun shield for skin that's had too many years of sun. Our Bimini does have a window to view the mainsail shape- very important. The window has a cover that snaps over it and is tough to get at to release without some precarious planting of feet on top of the stern rail. I would challenge your Bimini maker to design  a window cover not requiring you to stand on the rail/stern seats. 

Lastly, a Bimin adds another layer of protection to shielding our pedestal mounted cockpit gauges from dew and rain.  

We have a stern grill- no issue at the mooring, but sometimes an issue when tied at the dock and the wind blows the wrong way. 

All in all, a worthy investment

I access my bimini window flap by unzipping the 2 zippers where the aftstays go through the bimini.  Unzip them, and place my arms through the zippers.  I just stand behind the helm with no problems.

I see this is an old post, but do you or does anyone else have pictures of a nice cockpit shade design ? My boat came with a large bimini
but I'm trying to decide if I want to replace it with a smaller one or build a shade. I like things open when sailing but having the shade cover is real nice