RE:
I'm looking at going with the new DLE35RA, with rear exhaust port, rear carb, and rear-facing plug. Troy Built has 'em for $349 shipped.
I had a chance to examine the fiberglass cowl from Fiberglass Specialties (nice!), and it looks like the DLE35RA will fit nicely, with the exception of the exposed cylinder head, but that's actually a good thing for keeping the engine cool.