When you say you 'wouldn't dream of removing the mountain' do you mean simply because it is Ailsa Craig or what?
I am only asking because you need to consider what this is a photo of. If it is (as I assume) entirely about the fountain, I would either move slightly to the left to stick the AC behind the centre column or move further down so it is hidden behind the base.
You didn't want it to show the AC because if you did you would have (should have!) used a longer lens to give a foreshortening effect which left AC a little more prominent, not looking like a bald guy is squatting behind the fountain!
I think the lighting and the sharpness are excellent, you're obviously pleased with that 20-40mm lens you've got
I am not criticising the pic as such, I like it. I am just picking you up on the point of 'why' you wouldn't remove something. There are reasons for and against, I just think you sounded a bit dogmatic about it which surprised me.
Crop the FG a bit and let it take on a letterbox format, it's a lovely capture of the fountain
Cheers,
Rob