I just need to say that you have a work of art and I must have looked at those photos dozens of times when it was on eBay. The patina alone is worth the price you paid. I think if the tape has been on the bike for a while, it is a part of its history, just like the rest of the bike. I think you should keep it as is. It's as close to original as it will ever get.

PS- My favorite part of the bike is the twine cable guide.