[Donunder]

Remember when the E Type Jaguar came out in the early 60s? This same problem came up in the UK and was solved by allowing a decal of the registration details to be mounted directly above the radiator opening.
It probably didn't do much for the paint, but if the label/decal was to be a permanent fixture, it didn't matter.
It was a cheap easy fix. Nearly fifty years later, I wonder if we've caught up down here in Oz? The decal wouldn't photograph too well for the flash-for-cash cameras but it could be argued that at least it's [i]something[i] to provide frontal vehicle identification.
Might be worth a try if your application not to have a front plate fitted is knocked back.