One of the reasons for having a flatter crystal on the new 30x models is the increased depth from 100m to 300m - the other was simply the cost of production. In terms of machining a flat or a domed crystal, the flat wins hands down in terms of cost per unit.
Personally I prefer the domed crystal - I've learned where the hands point so I don't really care if the numbers are distorted...as to the historical aspects, well you all know my views on this...
If you don't get used to the look PM me and let me know how much you want for it