You are better off solving the rope using a simple poly plane. Then attach your actual rope geometry to the plane.
For example, create a polyPlane with say, 20x1 divisions. Create a nurb curve with 20cv's. Attach the curve to the plane using the best method you know (rivets and clusters is straightforward enough), then solve your cloth and the curve should be deformed with it.
Now you can extrude something along the curve.
