Honestly i have been using the new layout for several years now (ofcourse i have only stablized on here past year and a half) and i have not minded it all in such, i find somethings kind of nice like not having to use the scrolling bar since the profits just display right up front. The old layout just had things set up in a manner was easier to access the basics, as well as features that new layout does not have. I do not believe the new layout even tells the goverment type. While the type of leader you are; yes. But takes away the type of goverment; which i do believe goes against adding more cosmetic feature/drive to the games function.
Like recently see stuff about simcountry wiki, stuff like that will help drive the game and inspire people to play and actually do cool stuff even in the game. Ignoring little things like those is what costs player after player that leave only few who can deal with such people who are so obtuse and hard-headed for the agenda they believe for whatever reasons.
Alot of new players, Andy; but you need to make sure they stay.. Even if they are not paying right away. Should try to figure out how to get players to stay more, since the Belly flop planet acid pit; Crimson one, is not doin all that well but eating its own ass up.