Built 1 helmet a few years ago and I'm about to start working on another...
I really do think that the second rivet probably helped the look of the tubes as far as them matching up a bit better. I did the 2 screws in the main ear rivet hole. and they did want to work thereselves wonky. deffinately easier to get a tear etc. It would seem easier to just rivet the suckers real quick... But getting the right placement? I'd say you would want to do some trial and eror with small screws or long safety pins through the rivet holes? alot easier than tape for placement testing...
I'm thinking I am gonna try the 4 rivet 6 screw method for my next stunt buildup.
But paint BEFORE riveting? I would think these things were painted assembled originally... or else there would be paint under the ears?
And adding neck trim FIRST? I would think you would pre trim the area, line em up, rivet, then trim whatever excess plastic doesnt match up, sand a bit, THEN add the trim?