OK - I did an experiment.
Seeded two identical trays the same day
Kept one covered with paper towel for first 3 days.
Left the other uncovered.
Misted them both the same - only the one with paper towel had the towel misted also
after 3 days the paper towel one was 1/4- 1/2 inch taller
At that point they were both treated the same.
The one with no paper towel never caught up with the towel one.
In fact the paper towel one was harvested before another non towel one that was planted the day before.