In my opinion you guys are definitely all heading in the right direction!
I have a set of half tramps which still need a bit of tweaking before they are useable.
Funny thing is, I am in no hurry to do anything further with them - because I have serious doubts as to their functionality in their present form.
The way I see it is that the tramp material does not drain water quickly enough to prevent swamping from waves over the top and I also think it is likely to magnify the amount of water in the cockpit. In the limited testing I have done so far with them, any waves that come over thetop end up in the cockpit.
Of course all this depends on the conditions you are in at the time. In calmer waters I have no doubt they will help to prevent spray.
Yesterday I decided to just go out using my dodger and found it to be an effective spray guard, as well as provide protection from the sun. (It would equally serve to provide protection from cold winds in different weather conditions.) Although I have been critical of the dodger in the past, I think I will use it far more frequently in future.
The other issue I have with the half tramps is that they incorporate a spray shield like Kayak Bob's, extending from the front aka to the bow. Once again, I suspect that this is likely to magnify the AI's submarine tendencies because it is made with close weave tramp material.
So I would have even greater concerns about designing tramps out of solid material - unless you have adequately addressed the quick drain issue.
It also stands to reason that there will be some increased degree to catch the wind under them - particularly if they are solid &/or don't include vent/drain holes.
The extra space they provide is a real plus - providing it can be done without causing more problems than it solves.
The UK eBay ones are very basic - but given their reasonable price and simplicity, look like a viable option.