I use that shelf for a fire extinguisher mount, .45 holster, etc. Kind of harder to reach for a cup holder. Another thought is the speaker pods are going to be facing into an enclosed area - maybe not the best sound output.

If you put a panel over the steering you are going to block access for any on the water fixes without having to tear even more apart. My switch circuit board sticks down a little too I guess.

I guess I've never really noticed it enough to bother me. My zone controller is mounted right under the ignition so I suppose that probably hides mine a little and makes things look more tidy.