I don't recall ever saying this inspired the split keyboard, but I honestly haven't seen many options in that field that weren't rare IBM Model M15s or ErgoDoxes, not counting custom-modded products like split Kinesis boards.
Cherry MLs don't have a good reputation here, but since I haven't tried them out like most switches, I'm willing to give it a chance. Can't be any worse than a linear MX or ALPS switch for my tastes, I'm sure. (But I will admit, one of the big draws of the ErgoDox to me, price be damned, is that it's one of the few boards you can order with Cherry MX Clears. Figures that the MX switch type I like best is also by far the rarest.)