Steppenwood, sure wish I'd run into you about a year or so ago. I took my gas tank into a radiator shop to have it cleaned and sealed. They tested it with compressed air and, uh, gave it a new shape which wasn't compatable with the truck. I had to buy a reconditioned one from Jim Carter. I think that somebody now makes a new one for an arm and a leg (Chevy of '40's?).
George, I can't imagine that loose baffle interferring with the fuel flow. Guess my only concern would be that it'd tangle with the sending unit.