After some anguish and then some focused deliberate brooding and dwelling over the issue of possible crankcase pressure I decided to remove the breather cover gasket as pictured. I am wondering the necessity of putting it back in place or just leaving it removed. Is it's function really that important, does it prevent droplets of splashing oil from making it up to the breather tube and intake?

I would say yes. There is a built in labyrinth in the cover which matches up with the gasket. Its to catch heavy oil deposits and sends them back down when the engine is stationary

This time I will not doubt. Call it good as done THANKS and to all at YOC as always!