Response from quality... Pretty much that improvements have been made and they are on the latest pumps. They are dealing with the issue as are all of the mfgs.
I plan on just using some simple plates that i whip up from some cardboard templates. Ill add some holes with a holesaw for a more go-fast look. all 4 sides as Silverback mentioned if I can access them. Ive seen similar chassis' that use a rectangular frame and they dont use any frame plating at all. I guess all the tube keeps the frame from flexing? Since i come from the world of thin toyota frames, I will be plating it just in case. Cant hurt anything.