No, the AMAs are not a must. My father and I got a couple Outbacks a month or two ago too. He's fish/sailed out of Oceanside (outside the harbor) and Mission Bay (inside only) so far w/o any problems.
I get jealous sometimes when he's sitting back trolling.
It does seem like a bit much with the line going across the boat, but he loves it. He even made a custom roller furling so he could easily roll the sail in and out.
Now he's working on rigging the line down and around the cockpit so it is more out of the way.
I sailed it last time we were out at MB. I've sailed a lot in dingy to 30' sized boats, so I do have a bit to compare it to. While it is a pretty basic sailing setup, it does get you around.
It doesn't track great so make use of everything you can by making sure the pedals are neutral (both fins down like a keel) and the sailing rudder is a no brainer if you're spending that kind of money on a sail. If you're not really trying to get anywhere and you're just dragging lures, then you probably don't need to pay much attention to that stuff.
I could see it tipping in heavier or moderately gusty winds if the sails were tight and you weren't paying attention. Maybe that's where the AMAs come into play. I wouldn't let that idea stop you from getting the sail though.