Also had this fabricated top I was working on for more runner length but I don’t like how it will negate line of sight. Think I’m shelving that idea for now.
You may want to keep working on that. I agree line of sight is always the best policy, but getting the fuel/air out of the bottom of the carb and keeping it straight for a bit longer may not be a bad thing.
As you know, any change in section (area) causes a local pressure change. That can really hurt atomization.
Just something to think about as that top may not be a bad thing.