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The stock headlights are polycarbonate, so if you use the UV and abrasion resistant stuff, you'll probably match the durability of the originals. I cut the fluted lenses off mine and installed 90mm Hella projector lamps to replace the terrible stock lights (mine's got the older style than yours and they were terrible), plastic welding clear poly in their place. When I was considering making an Impreza into a single-side cockpit, one of the things I was going to do was round off the front similar to what you're doing, but also integrating the headlights into the sweep using the same idea of projector lights and poly covers. I changed my mind to do the same with a Miata instead as the work will be a lot easier and the result much better aesthetically, but the idea might be something you'd be interested in. Your post-facelift lights would be easier to retrofit projectors in than mine, but now you're talking about spending some money, likely more than you'd see in gas savings. The other problem is that poly is a real PITA to try to form anything more than very simple curves.
I wouldn't worry about the attention from a lack of plate in other states—the bodywork will get you more attention than that.
My car's disassembled in the garage (and front porch, and living room) as I decided to restore it. After a week of making sure all systems are happy to live again after 4 years sitting, I'd put it up against any new car for reliability, which is why I'm getting it going again and selling the Mazda3. I'm just hoping some aero mods can get me to at least match the 3 for mileage. I also miss the greater utility of the wagon vs. the hatchback. Nobody makes a good-sized affordable wagon anymore—they're either hatchbacks, land ironclads, or overpriced "premium" European cars.
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