finally got it assembled and installed (it took me a few days since apparently I'm stupid and I tend to overtthink things - HOWEVER, I did assemble both of them even though I only have 1 case currently, so I didn't have to overthink it once i order my other case!)
I did have a question though - it seems with just a couple more pieces of aluminum you could put that mid row of fans back in the case - it seems to fit, but there isn't anything to bolt it too unless you were brave enough to just drill a couple holes in the side of the case (which I'm not brave enough to do just yet) and ....I'm no engineer - but I assume you are - would it be detrimental or beneficial to install that middle row of fans?