So part of my plan is a bit of a "boat" initially to insulate the bottom from the direct heat and then a wrap/crutch along the way.
I have done probably 4 or 5 briskets and never wrapped. Some of them have been great, others I felt went past a desirable bark to over-done on the outside. Again, I think it's a direct-heat and dryness issue. Wrapping seems like it would counter that.