I'd just like to throw my $.02 in, and say that proposed XT layout, apparently suggested by Pasph but presented by spirit, looks fine. It would be better than a conventional layout in a few ways, and certainly unique enough to justify paying for a custom keyboard.
As much as I dearly want to order an aluminum case, I probably can't afford it for any size; too many other things making claims on my income.
Also, while I'm very appreciative of the assembly services being offered, I've already gotten the switches for the particular PCB I'll be getting -- namely the ALPS board, so I won't need any extra assembly, but might pick up extra stabilizers and possibly MX compatible springs for other projects I'm in the middle of.