I guess the relief cuts make less of a difference on these steel plates since they're so much stiffer by themselves already that even with there being only a little piece connecting the inner and outer regions of the plate it didn't significantly impact it.
Look, here are two brass plates I have had done:
Yes, I also have had brass plates made, just to get to know the difference. Same relief cuts. Although I have not jet made a complete build with it, I can tell that there is almost no noticeable different compared to the same plate in steel (I don't have it with the superlong and winded cut, that I can't compare atm). Brass feeling so much better is a totally overblown statement that many take much too serious. I bet that in a blind test of two boards that are built identical (same case, switches, caps) with the only difference being one has a brass the other one a steel plate, most would not be able to tell them apart. Some who make a lot of builds may be able to.
IMO the difference between brass and steel is negligible. Though to be fair and like I have mentioned, I haven't done a complete build with the brass plate jet, so there is still a possibility my opinion on this might shift a bit, but I doubt it would be much.
Apart from feel, what I personally don't like about having a brass plate in my keyboard is the fact that the golden shiny look makes me think of a rapper showing me his gold teeth. That gold bling bling looks terrible to me. I know, it is possible to bead blast the brass plate so it will loose the reflectivity and then further give it a black coating. But that is quite pricy and the small difference in feel would not justify that imo, not for a custom that aims to be more affordable. For a very high end custom, yes, sure, every bit of improvement, even if it is just small, is justified.
Is structural integrity a bit concern?
NO, it is not a concern. Not at all. If it would be, I would make changes. This thing is brutal.
Just look a chart that compares the density or weight of metals. Compare alu to steel. Oh, and when you look at that chart, please also compare steel to brass
Before the GB starts, will send the protos to reviewers who can give their opinion about the board, so you don't need to rely on my word.
I totally appreciate your questions, they are totally reasonable to ask and should be ask. Thanks.