To gasket or not to gasket, that is the question

I agree. I think there should be something there. I've seen gasket sets that didn't have a gasket, but I've seen some that did. Likewise, I've torn down lots of engines that had nothing there and lots that did. I think it's good insurance. I also think like Curtis. A light skim of RTV. I would use high temp though.

Oh and I'll throw this in FWIW. I am not certain Mopar EVER used gaskets between the head and exhaust manifold, yet I know most people use them, because they are included in every gasket set. Just food for thought.