This is MY OPINION only.
Full disclosure; I already emailed Lee Valley about this - let's see what happens.
Following another thread in Power Tools (regarding clamps for woodworkers with weaker hands), I began to note what drives me crazy about some of my Veritas implements. I can't comment on any other tool manufacturer.
I keep my arthritis in check with a fairly vigorous exercise program, as much for my need to continue riding my beloved motorcycle as well as working wood with hand tools. Still, some design elements lead me to scratching my head.
Point 1: Large Router Plane: To tighten the blade at a depth, I have found I need to really "yard" down on the knurled knob or else it shifts left and right in use. Of course, to readjust the blade, and loosen it, I need to use pliers to get the leverage needed. Did nobody at Veritas design think that older hands need a better leverage thought process?
Point 1a: I have the Lg router plane fence. In order to have the setting actually hold, I have/am making two modifications. Firstly, on the shaft thread to fence junction, I've used Blue Loctite (copyright) to hold the shaft from rotating; on the shaft itself, I'm going to flatten the bottom with a metal file so the retaining knob actually holds the fence in location. (flat meeting round doesn't give enough friction space)
Point 2: Mk ii sharpening jigs: I have 3 - the straight, the cambered and the chisel units. Each one lets you tighten the blade in place with a pair of knurled knobs. I can get the blades tight and sharpen them, but to release, requires more force than my hands can easily muster.
Point 3: I have the Jack Rabbet and the R-H Shooting Planes. Both come with an Allan key to hold the totes in place, but as you know, Allan keys get lost. I put a rare earth magnet on my planes to keep the keys at hand. Perhaps if he planes came WITH a magnet and a tiny bit of super glue.....
These tools are first class, and priced accordingly. I enjoy using them and the feeling of quality they give. I especially enjoy that I didn't have to spend hours restoring them. But I do wonder what would happen if they had older, weaker hands using the prototypes if there would be design changes.