[chris455]

but from the pilots perspective no instrument wiring is visible

Sparrow,
please refer to my links above, the photos do not bear out what you seem to be saying here.
As far as the pit sitting too low, the panel itself definitely is somewhat low, perhaps the whole thing as you say, although I'm not 100% certain.
As far as the dark area being correct "as is" I must respectfully disagree. The photos I have provided clearly show wiring, cabling, and other items that are in clear view of the pilot, since the photos were shot from that perspective.

Poncho, I am tending to agree with others now, and your most recent obsevation, that the space between panel and cowl is probably OK, although the basic shape of the plating which lies underneath the actual windshield is incorrect. It should take the form of a "hood" which arches over the panel, and on the razorbacks at least, seems to have had a square whole cut into it through which the gunsight protrudes. It is this "hood" effect that, from the pilot's perspective, minimizes the apparent size of what we have been referring to as the "dark area". I regret that I do not have an image of this phenomenon to show it plainly.