question on aluminum transom trim ?

[oldbluesplayer]

I'm at the point of closing up my transom rebuild project, and have pretty well reinforced the transom top edge with multiple layers of glass. The new transom is sealed, there is no joint between top edge and rear face of the transom.

The original aluminum transom trim was in three pieces, sides and bottom, and was fairly heavy - about 3/16" thick material, and came off cleanly, and could readliy be re-installed -

Looking at other's projects, I see many where it looks like the transom trim was left off -

Discussion ? Purpose ? Value ?

Appreciate any input.

Thanks

Bill