Ponch
I think it may have been well spent, considering that I noticed! :-)
I think it adds something to these closed up kits...others such as the SAFS kits have full helmet options ( I have one from Ebay) for the driver, and unless you have something that you can "drop the top" on, like a PKA, it seems you need some sort of forced air breathing system, or at least something to keep you breathing an air mix that will keep you going in a fight, instead of cooped-up air.
I like the mod, keep it! :-) (and yes the old castings were pretty lame)
David
Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think!
TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion