The redesign looks great, I know it brings a whole mess of issues, but hotswap seems like a must for me for a "premium" board. I don't have a bajillion keebs and I don't want to, so I can't speak to the negatives as far as typing experience, but I like the idea of being able to change things up as I go or as new things come out.
Another thought is that this layout with the joystick encoder is exactly what I, and many others, want, if you could offer the same layout but in a less premium package (simpler machined or injection molded base) after this first one is done. Have your halo tier typing experience focused model, and a more accessible hobbyist model. Though I understand if that takes away from your whole concept here.