Does the "dont look down" thing really get you people? I can see yea, its part of the themeing...it can heighten the experience.
But IMO taking that away actually should INCREASE the drops feeling. Why? Ever been on a launched or drop ride where theres no warning? Yea, same feeling. The first month Dragster ran without lights. I hadnt quite figured out how it worked (fins down, then launch) since I was one of the first ones in line. So when we pulled up and I was mid train, I had NO clue when we were launching. That was still the greatest launch.
Same for the time I was at Great Adventure and the Ride Op gave us no warning on Batman & Robin. I personally think it would be wiser to take away the warning voice, and fill the track with sand to reduce noise (if it isnt already) and possible try to find a way to reflect the voices of the riders.
I can tell ya this though, without any warning of dropping, people wouldnt be able to start screaming till they were facing down.