Im on my first P bass which is a lefty 57 RI and I fitted a gold pickguard and chrome covers because I love that vintage look. Playing-wise the covers are not an issue as I approach this bass differently to say a Jazz with its funky back pickup which screams for fingerstyle.
I try and play to the bass. My old Gibson EBO only had a front humbucker at the neck and this developed a style of playing unique to that bass.
I like the way the covers on a P take my playing and choice of bassline in a slightly different direction to not being there and the great thing is, you can take them off anytime.