Interloko and badmouse are fantastic contributors to this project (but other stuff, such as programming, not artwork).
I, for one, agree with the decision to recreate Reptile the way he was originally created: As a hybrid of Sub-Zero and Scorpion. That's how he was in MK1. Deviate from that, and give him his MK2 stance, or his MK2 moves, and then you start down a slippery slope. Why not make him playable? Since they've already got the ninja model, why not throw Smoke or Noob Saibot in there, as hidden characters? Why not make Shang Tsung and Goro playable? Why not give everyone extra moves from the later games, or brand new moves? And alternate costumes? And extra stages?
Let's respect their vision and keep this an HD version of the original.
And I understand your frustration, too. I've suggested some minor things that came from other PORTS of MK1 (like the intro screens from the PC and Genesis) and was shut down. That's just how it goes. They want to make this like MK1 arcade, and they're the ones doing the work, so they are the ones that get the say-so. That's fair, and just because I don't get my way doesn't mean I curse them out.
What the team working on this HD remake really needs is our support and gratitude. I don't feel I've offered nearly enough praise to this project as it truly deserves. So, thank you, Bleed, Justin Slaughter, badmouse, interloko, catalycte, and everyone else who has contributed but whose names escape me at the moment. You've all done amazing work. I've read every single post on this thread and read it regularly. Your attention to detail and your willingness to learn new things just to make this project as close to arcade-perfect as possible is greatly appreciated.