This thread seems to be going in the direction that I would agree with, but I thought I would chime in as well.
I believe that the most critical factor here is the design. In pretty much every case on this forum (probably most others) we are all dealing with so many variables that it all comes down to one-off design. You have to really consider all of the variables that apply to your situation before you make the decision. How tall are you? How much room are you willing to give up? How good are you (or your shop) at precision fabrication? ... on and on.....
A lot of people who run a cage or roll bar do not like to use padding. The padding may not be a crash helmet, but it is a benefit in the event of a crash and head impact; mainly in the spreading of the load. You are still going to have the high g-force, but the load will be spread over a larger area and the risk of local fracture or shattering is not as high. Someone posted a link to some good roll bar padding; it is good stuff and stiff enough to be effective.
The other thing is about the safety restraint system. I do not mean to throw rocks here, but to me having a car with a cage and only wearing a lap belt or over the shoulder harness is just plain suicidal. Even a low speed accident could really plant your noggin against the cage (or column) in a big way.
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