Sal,
I would love to see the Starmate again - and when the day comes, I will get both it and its little brother.
I see the new "Starlite" as a downsized, but NOT downgraded version of the Starmate. Both should be made in Golden, and both should have S30V blades.
I really like the compression lock, especially as implemented in the Paramilitary, and I think a compression lock would work without disturbing the aesthetics of the Starmate. If a compression lock is not to be, then keep the liner lock. Please DON'T go with a lockback - it just wouldn't be a Terzula.
For scales, it seems that either matte finish CF or G-10 would be in keeping with the Terzuola image. Perhaps G-10 for the Starmate and Matte CF for the Starlite - making it both "Gentleman's" knife and a good working knife at the same time.
I have always believed that with Spyderco knives, form always follows function. Wtih Bob Terzuola's knives, it seems that form and function are perfectly matched.
Soooo... Sal,
If I could be in charge of Spyderco production for one project, I would start with this one thought. "We already know that function is non negotiable, so that leaves form. And in this case form isn't negotiable either.
If you can afford to approach this one with that attitude, you will have an absolute winner.
Thanks for listening
Chuck