Never ever used the washer on the old car or any of the new ones.
Leave it off

Left mine on for the Stock look and works great as a Coolant reservoir. No more dripping coolant and radiator stays filled up to the cap.

I've been annoyed at having put the washer system back in my car. I wish I had welded up the holes before painting it, because, like you said, it would make a much cleaner engine compartment. Not to mention just one more added expense. If you only drive yours in sunny weather like me, just weld up the holes while you can..

Come on, Florida in lovebug season, never used a washer?????

I guess if your intentions are for it to be a trailerqueen or a once in a bluemoon if everything is just right car then I could see the desire to leave it off but I actually use all my cars so I need it.