Bill- The bars in the back don't obstruct the view,maybe if you are looking at the screen from an angle it might, but from straight on nope. I got to try this out over the weekend and it is really great to have something that makes the 5D Mark II feel like a video camera.
The 1/4 inch screw holes all over the unit are great, I know the pricing seems high but this is not made out of cheap material by any means. I have a red rock captain stubling unit, which is great but this piece is able to be mounted to a tripod plate easily, or a table stand tripod. Plenty of space for mic and a lcd if need be or a light.

Would a camera with a battery grip fit...?

-- peer

Unfortunately No, I personally love to use the battery grip for when I am doing stills, but have found it not a big deal to not have it when I am shooting video.

For me it's the opposite -- it comes down to battery life, as video is much more power hungry compared to stills.

-- peer