If I read your post right the dowells go through the leading edge. If this is so I would definatly install the dowels. The reason being without the dowels you have a hole in the leading edge. This will create a stress point and a corresponding weak point. Just put the dowels in. Yea even though you are using bands the dowels will be engaged. Don't worry about this they will not be holding much. And will make centering the wing easier. The wing will go on straight and consistantly every time. Something that is hard to do with bands. Good luck and I hope you do well. Oh and don't worry about looks. Tey won't look bad. And if someone syas they look goofy who cares! Rule number 1,It's my D**N airplane! LOL

Mark Shuman