In addition to the Cybermodeler changes, I also decided to add some interest by repositioning most of the flying surfaces and the exhaust petals. After extensive research, most photos of the parked Raptor showed the eshaust petals in a "relaxed", wide-open position. This was a pretty complex endeavor, but with some excellent photos provided in the Two Bobs decal kit, styrene, and the Eduard update kit, I was able to make the exhaust nozzles look realistic enough.
The paint scheme was poorly indicated by both the Italeri and Two Bobs instructions, so I researched photos from the Air Force website, and used them to establish how the unique scheme was applied. The antennae surfaces are painted in a unique paint that I believe changed shade depending on the lighting angle which is impossible to replicate on a model, so I went with Two Bobs' recommendation and used Model Master FS36251, which turned out OK.
Since the lo-vis markings are purposely difficult to see, I decided early that I was going to display the aircraft with the missile bays open and armed for some more visual interest. I think that this was a wise choice, even though the bays and missiles were inacurrate and bare. I also tried to tint the canopy with my own thinned mixture of Future polish and Tamiya Titanium Gold with the metal flecks filtered out. I think it turned out well for an experimental kit, but I will need some more practice before I try the process out on a model that I would like to display publicly. Overall, I enjoyed my first time cutting up, detailing, and putting back together a subpar kit to make it better. This model probably wouldn't win any contests, but I think that I was successful to make it better than if I had built it right out of the box.