Joe, beautiful Stryker. One of the best I have seen so far. I don't come around Finescale much but I came upon this by chance and had to comment. I happen to be doing 3 at the moment and thought about the same solution as you for keeping things square. I think this is the best way to handle those flimsy slat fence sections. I like your box organization idea.
A couple of comments for those contemplating building a slat Stryker.
Joe mentioned the light extensions. He could have left those off, but would have to have built a first deployment Stryker (3/2 bde) or 2nd deployment (1/25). As well, those early Strykers did not have the exhaust deflector either. These same Strykers did not have the roof blast shields, instead using sandbags as protection. Many crews supplemented the sandbags w/ Kevlar blankets rolled up and used as protection around the roof area too.
Still, the light/exhaust extension combo is not 100% consistent rule since there was a transitioning period when 1/25 deployed. There are photos showing the exhaust deflector but the lights are still in there low position. The color of the exhaust deflector is a gunmetal and not CARC green. My guess is they feel it is pointless to paint this part since the paint would get cooked off anyway. Since about 2006 or so the exhaust deflector is part of the basic Stryker whether it has slat attached or not. Believe me, riding in the TC hatch is no fun w/o the deflector attached.
Finally, I wish AFV Club and/or Trumpeter would include the needed spent shell catch bag for the rear of the RWS. AFV Club updated their CV kit w/ needed fixes, so I hope they do it w/ future variants. Real Model provides one in one or more of their Stryker update kits, but this is a basic part that really should be included. There is a small catch bag for the front of the RWS but not all crews use this. Both are a real pain to make on your own.
There are more interesting tidbits, but these are the basics.
Bob