Here's the real fly in the ointment, in my opinion: I don't think anyone wants to lose the awesome new Reg handle - the fact that it kicks SO much butt is difficult to overlook - i don't want to swap it for the "old-style" battle-guard.
On the other hand, it DOES get munched up during hard, heavy (Scrapyard dogg translation: normal, everyday) use.
The reason that i voted to leave it alone is cost (obviously), and that i'm not convinced that the lug-type guard will protect that big beefy Res-C hilt part.
I think a full metal guard is all that would really protect it. a full steel guard might make a great upgrade for those who can pay, but for us po' folk, i can live with the most comfortable, functional handle i have ever used, especially since it is warrented against any damage i might do to it.
P.s. I really like the "New Regulator" with the high saber-grind. I hope it's still 1/3" thick. The more i look at the pic and the longer i wait, the more it looks like the perfect 19th century design-meets-21st century technology Chopper-prybar-splitter (even splitter - does the 1/4" of flat interfere that much with splitting? I doubt it - i'm open to find out - but i doubt i'd notice the difference from the full-flat grind during splitting). Really, it looks perfect. Bring it - I'll buy it!
Just one opinion... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/footinmouth.gif" alt="" />