@OP- Mine is the second photo posted by RoyB... I was in the same predicament as you when I bought the camper.
I already had the truck and the camper was too good a deal to pass up when it came along. My initial thoughts were to do the conversion to remove the skirts. The biggest challenge for me would be having to relocate the 2-battery compartment. After bringing the camper home and looking closer at what was needed to do the job I ended up leaving it as is. The generator storage on the other side saddle skirt is welcome space as is the front portion of the truck bed.
I know you said that you are not interested in having the gap at the front of the camper but perhaps you might want to try that set-up on a few outings. I say this not from an observer who has a normal camper configuration, but from the point of view from one who actually has this camper placement.
I liked the advantages of how mine works and I avoided a lot of camper body work. Just my opinion, but feel free to ask any questions about my set-up if you want to pursue that direction,
