Yes CJJ...I thought it was interesting that my full system was more quiet with the leak than with everything buttoned up. I plan to try a few different set-ups. I could very easily (and cheaply) try a straight pipe, no muffler like yours.
I have a long term plan for a 3" downpipe to a 3" pipe/muffler back to the BTG "Y", keeping the BTG 2 1/2" dual resonators.
But for now I want it to sound good.
I've noticed that the flanges on the BTG system are not stainless steel like the pipes and have begun to rust a bit. [:0]