That line about the cover not breathing is the whole problem, I read a thing from a detailer that said cheap covers basically turn your trunk into a terrarium. You want something labeled breathable, like the multi layer ones, or honestly a carport is the safer bet in Sacramento.

That tiny pocket thing is real, once you start using it you notice how often you actually need to write something down. The weight part stops bugging you after like a week, your leg just gets used to it. Biggest thing nobody mentions is the pocket lint and gunk that builds up on a brass pen, so you gotta wipe the threads every so often or it gets gritty when you twist it. Also brass turns your fingers green if you handle it a lot, which some people hate but honestly I kind of like the worn look. Get one with a keychain loop if you can, then you can clip it to your belt loop and never worry about losing it in a couch cushion.