That is an interesting point. I've been praying people would quit using guns so the leftists would leave guns alone. I suppose homicide victimizes much more than the slain.
Use a wing rib as a guide. Lay it against the upper deck, using the trailing edge to align it, then place the front hoop to maintain the proper profile.
Balloons leak down because the air slowly passes through the rubber. Since you found no leaks in the tank, it's probably the glove. Also, what Larry said.
The insects get in by going between the ribs anyway. The fabric doesn't touch the spar leaving a gap, so those lightening holes won't make it any easier for the insects to get to the center of the wings.