I was in Vegas last weekend. I've never seen so many TC Wagons. Lots of taxi versions, and a ton that had to be rentals on the strip. It was kind of funny, I hardly see them here in Silicon Valley. I noticed that all the taxi versions lack the strips. About 1/2 the normal (presumed rent-a-cars) had one or both strips missing.
There's a noticeable gap, but I don't think most people would notice it. I don't think they serve any real purpose.
I'm thinking to leave them off. Even if glued securely, they seem really susceptible to damage and wear.