But if he kept the helm on--or if Arthur's hair is a fair as Edric's--this could have implications. . .
Yes, it could. Especially since there is not visor that can be lifted in the description of the helm, just the plumes. So even if he didn't take it off, which it doesn't look like he did, then he also did not lift his visor, meaning even with the helm on, his face can be seen.
If his visor is the movable type, he can lift it and his face can be seen without removing his helm. Since there is no mention of him removing his helm, nor his lifting his visor, then yes his face can't been seen when he delivers the crown of blue roses.
But it could be a helm without a full face visor, one that only covers his cheeks and nose, leaving most of his face exposed. In which case his face can be seen without removal of the helm.
Yes--that's my questions, too. I keep trying to pin down RLJ completely--one of the things I hold to are those roses.
But the helm may not make much difference. If I remember correctly, show Littlefinger tells show Sansa that Rhaegar took off his helm after he won. Something about his handsome laughing face and silver hair in the sunlight (is he trying to tie into Sansa's romanticism? Wanting to the Rhaegar himself?). Which could mean that the visor issue is moot.
Though that doesn't rule out Arthur's ending up with Lya--but that's for another thread.
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.