Just an update, removed the upper rim today because I was bored....Tank looks much much better. I actually only removed 75% of it, I left the back piece on for 2 reasons, 1 you can't see it because of the light and its on the back, and 2 because its protecting my cords and hoses from chafing against raw glass. My edges are not sharp at all, and there is no deflection whatsoever of the glass on front. The plastic on the rim had no structural worth at all, so anyone questioning its purpose can put it to rest. Its super pliable....
Crappy pics because I'm lazy...
Before:
After:
