Not sure I believe that basting adds moisture. Toughness in tender meat is about protein contraction due to temperature. Basting in a pan cooked dish has the effect of heating the top more than it would if left alone. Promotes even cooking.
Putting bacon on top or skin I suspect is more of a heat shield than anything in an oven.
Havent we worked through all this years ago somewhere on eG? Maybe NathanMs stuff?