If splashing, bubbles, saltcreep becomes an issue for you, you can without removing anything, carefully cut using a hole saw a few holes at the height you want in the first baffle. Or using a dremel cut about a 1/4" slot for the water to come through.
Consider pulling and replacing that last baffle (the one next to your return pump) with another one that is the same height as the one directly opposite to it. Also give yourself another 3"width for your pump/evaporation level. 3 reasons, 1> This will solve your issue that Paul is pointing out by keeping the skimmer at the same water level. 2> The pump is in such a small chamber you will have a hard time keeping your water at the right level. It won't evaporate much water before your pump will begin sucking air. 3> If you ever want to add a ATO it will need to go in the chamber the pump is in so you will need the room.