That's what I was thinking. A full-depth WWI-style round-cowl might look a little odd...particularly since the fuselage has flat sides. Actually, my main reason for wanting a cowl at all is to give some minor protection to the rocker heads and the rocker rods that can easily fall off if one of the rocker arms is depressed, for example even on a gentle nose over.

And, John, thanks for that further information.