I agree with you wholeheartedly Kevin. The changes the upper up(s) want is completely unneccesary especially when the drawings in the comics is inconsistent and change throughout the pages (which is understandable since artists are usually pressed for time and have deadlines to meet. Attention to accuracy, consistency, and details is unrealistic in this regard).
We have a great, officially licensed by Lucasfilm statue of Jes Gistang, which you based your kit on, so I don't understand the problems the upper up(s) is having. Your kit is spot on with the statue and in my humble opinion the kit looks better without the changes, especially the thermal detonator.
In addition, this is the first time women would be able to have 501st approvable Stormtrooper armor designed with them in mind! Why would anyone want to get in the way of that or hold it up?