We have a 10 ft. Fiamma on slowcarfasthouse and we LOVE the ability to deploy in a few minutes.  Alone is fast, with a helper is even faster.  It is generally possibly to stay dry by ducking underneath while deploying the awning.  We also have a set of custom walls that provide privacy, rain protection and wind block!

As far as leaking at the sliding door- we keep a rolled up patio mat (plastic) up there between the top and the awning case.  The mat rolls up onto a piece of 1" PVC pipe.  That blocks the rain from leaking through that space when it is raining.  It redirects the water down onto the drip rails so it is channeled away.

The mat is held up there with a pair of velcro straps which wrap all the way around the awning case.  They also help keep the awning face from rattling on bumpy roads.  

There is a write up at this link-   
 http://slowcarfasthouse.com/2015/05/31/the-room-and-awning-features-on-our-hightop-vanagon/

Geneva Saint-Amour
www.slowcarfasthouse.com