I really appreciate everyone's effort on finding a layout that works for as many people as possible. I strongly support the 6 button layout, and the 4+2 is better than nothing, but I want to get away from that for a moment.
I mentioned somewhere that in the past the small size of buttons on portables was an issue affecting comfort and playability for me (and I have narrow thumbs compared to many, it seems). I want ED to strongly consider the design of the buttons themselves, not just the layout. A good amount of height on the buttons to clear the case will be required to ensure usability, at least for me. I don't know that this will fix any of the weaknesses people have been discussing, but it might avoid problems for some people later.
Unfortunately I no longer have a DS Lite. I just did a comparison of an original GBA, an original DS and my Pandora. I would prefer a more flat top while maintaining the case clearance we have with the Pandora, but even the current buttons are ok (have concave buttons, such as on the NES and X and Y on the American SNES controllers been considered?). The Pandora seems to have the best button height/case clearance of the three. The DS has the problem of both small buttons and very little clearance, compared to the other two. Since DS Lite buttons are being used to test 6 button layouts, if one of those is chosen please don't give us short little buttons. Also, if we get 4+2 can we also get decent button height with all buttons, including the little guys?
Another fun option: if they have proper clearance in the Pyra case NES/SNES/DMG Game Boy buttons can be used, so that we can easily swap them with the many buttons currently available. Yes, I know they are bigger than the Pandora buttons, so I don't expect this to really be considered.
