I'll just be honest here, permit me the shift of discussion to numbers - what do you guys think will sell better? Cornered legends or centered legends? I think the answer is obvious. How many people are gonna buy this because it's an exact replica of an old keyboard that follows very strict construction and how many are gonna buy it because it's a cool set that happens to pay homage to a very meaningful keyboard from way back?
Sales should not be impaired by gatekeeping. Sales should not be impaired by having to completely replicate the original to not piss purists off. Does anyone actually think black legends for bottom mods like the original would ever outsell regular mods for example? I'm all for civilised discussion but let's please get real here, there's no need to continue hammering on with decisions that are blatantly obvious.
Before answering your first question, I think numbers are a priority to a point (MOQ?) but the legacy sets will carry for years are probably more important and I look to Oblotzky's purpose/desires here. I think there are several variations of this tribute (cornered or not) capable of far beyond MOQ and there are factors in either direction that could influence - possibly the familiarity of cornered legends will draw more in (the APL legends are pretty stylish anyway), or possibly something different than what we're used to but well executed sparks a lot of attention.
This set won't be an exact replica as it is GMK. I think those interested would not drop out of the GB because of further separation from the original. Which brings me to the purpose, Oblotzky stated that it was important that this be replicated closely and while I really like the possible centered or vertical left aligned options I fully understand forgoing some original aspects of the set for aesthetic purposes. I would then question that if the alpha legends surrendered to Cherry's styling, why the modifiers wouldn't be as well? Of course, the balance is up to Oblotzky and he has a great eye - so I am just providing my thoughts in which I know I am not alone, like AMongoose said, this is an interest check, so (and I know this wasn't directed at just me but) calling people's discussion of interests "hammering on" is kinda rood.
I for one am not interested in icon mods so I state my preference when the issue is discussed.
I wonder how popular this preference is? Even for Text + Icon - not just icon only...
I feel bad for those that share this preference as it greatly limits your options, especially in the realm of Cherry profile caps, your preference exists almost solely in Oblotzky's GMK Oblivion if I'm not mistaken and the current direction of this set, from what I can tell. With that being said, I totally understand why you state your preference, however uncommon.