That is pretty weird... but I know what you mean, I'm pretty OCD bout shit like that too. Anyway, I don't think I'm going to remove the first muffler, did some research and looking like the RFI two stroke likes some of the back pressure, so I woul dhate to remove it and learn it had negative results. If you are saying the resonator removal had a good impact I'll leave it at that. On top of it, that muffler is in an odd place in the hull, looks to be a PITA to get to.
Your my new 3D buddy, LOL, I may also copy your battery relocate...
Just waiting for the exhaust to come in, and play a several month waiting game for the weather to break...