The struggle is real...

[Low&Slow]

Whaaat?

hand on the roof, step in, sit down, slide over.

No knees necessary

I've tried that technique before too. It's not easy to do after having two shoulder surgeries, two painfully worn out hips, and a torn meniscus. (Thanks Army!)
It's easier and less painful for me to get down on my knees, then sit on my fourth point of contact, then step in and slide in. I haven't had to slide over to the left seat, that's my CFI's problem. He's in his 70s and struggles with it too. We make quite a pair.
The 172S is much easier to get in and out of. The trim is easier to find and operate too.
On the plus side for the Piper, it has steam gauges and manual flaps, whereas the 172S has G1000 and electric flaps. I've never used G1000, or any of those computer looking GPS radios before and am not looking forward to it. A Jedi's gotta do what a Jedi's gotta do though.

 

[ahw01]

those computer looking GPS radios

Love it!

 

[P28RZFT]

I do miss a door on the left side of the aircraft. However, I co-own an Arrow so pretty much have it whenever I need it and it runs us about $80/flight hour between fuel and engine/maintenance reserves.