FWIW I replaced the handrails when I upgraded to a pulpit, buy my decision was driven by an errant 32' crusier that rammed my starboard side and wiped out the railing anyway.
That said, NO stress cracks on that side in the glass either - woo hoo!
I personally think a pulpit without a pulpit railing would look odd. But you could add the windlass and add a WindLine large and long anchor roller instead, even the pivoting one that is designed for windlass use.