No offense taken at all, Julian, comparisons are normal because everyone is working from the same basic theme. So there are going to be similarities. But, I was one of those, early on, that made somewhat of a big deal about chassis (what is the plural for chassis ?) that were billed as monocoque or semi-monocoque when, in fact, they were merely space frames with panels that enclosed the tube frame. So I wanted to make it very clear, up front, that this was not the case with John Hester's car.
The big difference between John's and the original is the steel panel roof. They have not been able to establish acceptable repeatablity on a steel panel roof yet. (Indeed, I believe that the roof section was one of the most difficult areas with the originals as well.) Until they do that, John didn't want to put a steel roof on and provide the impression that this was the way they would be: He would rather wait than give a false impression. (I do think it remains a goal though.) He is just that kind of guy.