Other than aesthetics, was or is there an advantage to the tapered dust cover? Obviously, since I bought an NL, it doesn’t bother me. I also don’t mind the gray grips, but do agree the black look better. That said, I saw some pics with wood grips. Those wood grips look better than both gray or black. Functionally, I have no idea. If they served better functionally, I might be able to convince myself to buy a set.