Yes, there are never gates on a ring intended to be the innermost. Gates aren't needed because the chain doesn't shift sideways (no place to go) but lifts off radially. However, timing is still important for best shift performance (hence the timing marks (if they have them).

As I said, I don't have Shimano specific knowledge, but I can't see that Shimano wouldn't provide for correct timing with companion outers.

The timing issue is one reason that cassette systems replaced the threaded outer sprocket with a splined sprocket and lockring, which was more expensive to produce. There's no way to orient a threaded sprocket, the old cassettes were like old synchromesh in cars before 1st gear had sychro too.