Hoods are ugly when in the raised position. So you pancake it. It eliminate the ugly hood seams when showing your car. For more of a smooth look.
Rounding the corners would be a big improvement, i feel pancaking really only works on more highly modified front ends. It helps keep the lines. I know on out 56 Chevy the hood was pancaked to keep the front end flowing while still being able to have the hood up for indoor shows when going for points. Its a lot of work to do. since you have alot of re-engineering to do with stuff like the latch and filler panels. I think the biggest pain is that you are practically welding up the nose into 1 piece. Pre-pancake (1989) With pancake today Had to completely redo the hood latch system and build the filler panel on top of redoing the structure of the hood to brace it.
source for endless conversations...…. https://www.classiccarrestorationclub.com/article/guide-to-classic-car-terminology/
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