Ah good points.
I actually haven't given too much thought on the motor's placement, but yeah I expect that that will be critically important in its effectiveness of doing its job. Probably need a larger motor if I place it in an awkward spot so that it can overcome whatever extra resistance comes about as a result. And yes the risk of 3rd parties getting caught by the gate.
Sounds like I need to buy some gadgets and just tinker with them a bit.