"Does anyone actually use the front table?"
"The real question is, does anybody use that rear table?"

I've done that often as well. I also often travel with just the small, front
table stored in the rear table slot, as it's shorter and makes getting into
the closet doable. I also often just raise that table up about 1' or so,
and use both the cubbards underneath to store/set things on, or to
gain access to those cabinets, and also store stuff on the table in
its raised level. Keeps everything I may need back near where I am.
Having it up front allows convenient use of the passenger seat for
my own use, or guest use, and storing/setting stuff up front that
are convenient to have up there, with the seat facing south.

I got a device/speaker that is called a Jambox by Jawbone, that
I set up front, with the iPod in the rear to control what music I play.
It's a bluetooth device and can reach up to over 30'.

bob
'87 Syncro Westy