I've seen this brought up several times, but I don't think it's nearly the problem you guys make it out to be. Ever Champ, Chief, Cub, etc. ever built had a tank right in front of the intrument panel. Granted, they weren't composite, but they were probably more prone to leak than composites since any little kink in the metal could cause a leak, especially with all the work-hardening due to vibration over the last 60 years. My 1941 Chief had a 12 gallon tank and it never caused any problems.
I know, I never crashed it... but it's on the back of the firewall so you might get cold and wet but there's really NOT that great of a chance that you'll be a giant fireball. This is me, ducking back into my foxhole. I do have wingtanks in my KR but I may never use them, I think the 12 gallon header tank will last for as long as I want to sit in it at any one time. Kerry Miller Formerly of E. TX, now in Victoria, TX, on the Gulf Coast!
