I like your shot for mechanical Darren.
Personally, I'm in 2 minds about the plastic cover . . . as it is I am finding it distracting, mainly because it's oof and kind of in the way.
But I always think that if you can't change something, then try to work with it. If you went with Arthur's suggestion of deliberately emphasising the lettering to make the most of it being there I think it could really work.
Missed your people shot sorry - that made me smile and I actually rather like the green background.