Hi DaDaniel,
Thanks for posting on the forum. You are being very realistic about your hair loss and not wanting to go the full cap route. We do partials that cover the crown area all the time. They cost $195 (we have free shipping for the month of May). They are much easier than a topper since you don't have to be concerned about getting the hair line down. Some people order a unit with a crown (thinner area in case the newbies are unfamiliar with the term) and some people order without a crown--it's a personal choice. We can go down to 35-40% density. And we can use thin diameter hair if you'd like---no extra charge. As far a problems with a crown piece, they are actually much easier than a topper or full cap because of the previously mentioned lack of hair line issue and not needing to be as precise in aligning the piece. Since the crown area is typically that gets the most contact with your pillow when you're sleeping I suggest the old stand-by---using a satin or silk pillow case. A cotton pillow case will dry out the hair which leads to breaking.
Regards,
John