
What is the calculus around choosing to (cl)omage versus doing an "original" parts bin special?
Yes, yes, market forces... yada yada yada. But seriously, what makes WD choose to do near-identical homages of iconic models and their variants with little stylistic deviation, versus doing a heavy remix (while still clearly heavily inspired by famous models)?
I created the image as an example of a remix. We all know where the design elements are coming from, but they're assembled into something that looks neither here nor there. Some will like it; others will find it heinous.
WD rarely do this kind of frankenproduct, whereas many small microbrands do. Is this case, how much safer is it to dupe the Yacht-Master in every way, just to swap out the Mercedes hand to keep Hans Wildorf from serving them papers?