Alright, so I'm not a big fan of barlows, but I like the looks of that S&M with the clip and heck, I only got one Barlow, so I'm still in.
I'd prefer the D2, clip and warny(prefer not a spear, I got SAKs for that). But I'll probably stay in with the ATS.
I'm good with ditching the shield too, like has been said, it's not really traditional on a Barlow anyway. I'm fine with the etched bolster, but I wonder if we can at least ask for nice deep etches. I haven't seen many Queen etched bolsters/shields but the blades I've seen have varied a good bit, so I'd be concerned about that. I wonder if we can check with them and make sure they can do an etch deep enough to feel, if you know what I mean there. If it only comes down to 10 bucks, I'll pony up for the stamped bolster with no complaints. Oh, and I don't care one way or the other on serializing them. Take it or leave it.
Scales..... I prefer the jigged bone. Assuming it's similar to the S&M, I think we get a nice handle. I've got one and handled several of that series and they are pretty dang nice. I've had such spotty luck with stag lately that thats almost a deal breaker. Don't get me wrong, I love nice, well done stag as well as the next guy, but I haven't gotten a really good one in a couple years, and the ok ones have only been ok, not good. Shields badly inlaid, left way to thick so they have to be ground smooth for most of the slab, etc. Last years Northwoods stag was a serious letdown.
Overall it sounds good, you guys have done a great job with this, I'm sure we all appreciate it, but I know I sure do.
Syn