Erich,
Thank you for the praise. I am very glad you are happy with the rig. I enjoyed making it.
As far as the "extra skin"; yes, it would be 100% more to have it removed.
Seriously, I added the extra leather to add a notch to adjust cant/rake even more. I know it isn't the most original idea but it fit the bill. I think it makes the rig a little more comfortable. I have "love handles" and that "extra skin" helps protect my "extra skin". LOL.
Cheers!!!