Keeping live plants with cichilds is a very difficult taks, espceially with americans. They love to dig, dig, and some more digging. However, they are awesome fish to watch and care for. I have 7 convicts and 2 blue acaras and they don't seriously attack eachother. If you get a 100g, i would just keep the fish you have and add some more american cichlids, maybe some convicts because they won't get beat up by your JD.
Reguarding the pleco, or cleaner fish. Its not always necessary, i suppose if you just like the fish, however it seems you dont' really like how they look. Maybe look into getting a more attractive pleco. There are so many varities to suit everyone's needs. Personally i like the bristle nose, they are beautiful, and don't get massive and they don't have nearly as much waste as most others.
Reguarding the pleco, or cleaner fish. Its not always necessary, i suppose if you just like the fish, however it seems you dont' really like how they look. Maybe look into getting a more attractive pleco. There are so many varities to suit everyone's needs. Personally i like the bristle nose, they are beautiful, and don't get massive and they don't have nearly as much waste as most others.