"The force-of-nature idea is interesting, and I do like it.  But at the same time, I wonder if Lee and/or Kirby would agree."

I think they would like it, because it makes Galactus a God of sorts, a theme Kirby explored quite often, and it fits well with the character.
And please note that according to this, Galactus BECAME a force of nature because he survived the destruction of the previous incarnation of the universe.
- He didn't start out as one.

Whatever he was, is no more, all that remains is short glimpses of a long forgotten past, a distant memory, triggered by the meeting with earth superheroes, especially Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four.

That kind of grandeure is lost in todays incarnation of the FF.

QUOTE: In what comic did Kirby do the origin of Galactus?  I have got to track that one down!

Thor issues 162, 168 and 169 each contain parts of it. The whole thing was collected and published as Super Villain Classics #1

Anyone know if this comic reprints the same origin?

In other words, it isn't Galactus that is suggesting that he wears a helmet...

*******

No. it's Jack Kirby

Well, perhaps.  My point would be that if Kirby has presented Galactus sans helmet, there is no credible argument against him being presented that way by anyone else.  That shot that Gerry posted above is pretty conclusive.  If Glactus creates the helmet...I think that JBs take on it is a very clever one, but can't preclude other interpretations that are based on material that predates his.

Edit: and in nearly all of those the creatures are wearing some other version of the helmet anyway....

From upthread