I really like your packaging, very nice, but I would put a small hole in the packaging. I am not a big fan of naked soaps, it seems unsanitary to me, but I do like to be able to smell it if I am going to buy.
I don't gel any of my soaps, except for salt bars. I just like the way they look. I guess it is apersonal preference. I like them to look the way the do when I am finished with the swirl. Sometimes if it gels, the colors are different.
I add mine to the lye water, after it has cooled down. Coconut milk is quite a bit different than other milks. I find it doesn't get all that hot and you don't have to be as careful as you do with animal milk. I love coconut milk in soap.
Cranberry Jelly from BCN is awesome in cp. Doesn't lose its scent ever. I have a bar that is 2 years old, and still smells strong. Doesn't discolor, and no fast trace, very easy to soap, and smells great.
If you mean to cover it during the curing process, I say no. The ramaining water in it need to evaporate, and the soap needs to harden. I leave mine on racks, not covered and turn them every now and then.