Considering that most drivers are front-mounted, what is the purpose of the gastet in front. Is it there to hold the surround in place? If so, there must be a better way to do this. Perhaps an aluminum ring instead of cardboard.

Gar.

There are some JBL Pro drivers made like this, with the front basket casting brushed to an attractive finish. The suround is held in place on these drivers with a plastic ring that is fit flush to the frame and looks real nice.

I think most raw drivers are made with a gasket in front and in back just to make the driver suitable for more installations. But some are made so that only front mounting is possible, and they do look very nice that way.