I thought about a second set of controls as well, but to be honest for what I use it for I can't see it being worth while. All I gotta do is go to the back, start the motor (it's electric start) and put it in gear. After that I do everything from the front...
As for the steering rod, I've had both motors tilted up with it attached, but I don't think it's designed to work like that. I know the EZ Steer which works from the rear of each engine (compared to the front on mine) will work regardless of which tilt positions either of the motors are in.. You might wanna check out that one!