I would have kept it original personally. The translite on that model always looked great. Thats where a LCD lets a pin down, you lose the great original artwork. On some new models the LCD might look good and might work, but cannabilising a 90's dmd machine wouldnt be on my agenda.
I like things close to stock, but people have to start experimenting somewhere I guess.

As for STERN supposedly copying everything from everyone, they say copying successful people or successful ideas is a great form of flattery.
I say well done to STERN for seeing great ideas and running with them. Its got to be better than seeing great ideas and not copying them.