I was thinking the same thing Bob.
Wavrider asked DB a very good question.
IMO, if we model this design over Real Earth without a Mast/FL included we might expect to see noticeable differences in results...on adding the mast and/or feed line back to the model later. I think there are lots of recommendations in the science on antennas that support this idea for adding a Mast and Feed Line to our models.
I think I would have set these models in Free Space...if the idea was not to include the Mast/FL.
Doing so, might show us more reliable results for comparison of this idea on slanting radials down in this design, and then we could also check the Average Gain results for each model as we go...in order to see how reliable the models might be.
I have not done this as yet, but I may try the idea and see how it compares.
This said however, I have come to realize that models having part of the mast physically located inside the radial area of the antenna itself, needs to be carefully considered as to the correct approach in modeling in Free Space.
Maybe adding a small offset hub for the radials is also a good idea that might help to prevent geometry errors.
