I think your forgetting we created an option to address these issues specifically - smooth sole. That said no one is saying that the standard Itobori sole has had a negative effect. I personally would go smooth sole for my mind.
You can also order Arakenma grinds or you can even order Itobori with a normal grind smooth all over.
No one needs to do hariline finish it can be smooth like every other iron.
Finish you can order all the basics satin, chrome, black, raw, doesn't have to be a raging burning copper.
Shape I think you can see this for yourself, the shapes are awesome.
So it seems to me your having a hard time getting past the more eccentric options.
I will produce some very basic designs for the purists to show the opposite end of the spectrum.