OK Jack: Not sure what your stance is on pad design after reading the link but in my opinion, narrow at the front seems to present a possibility of slipping off the pad and twisting an ankle or whatever. I guess I'm old school and just love the rectangular design.
My second beef with the Smithville pads is the circular ones. They seem to be about 10' in diameter which for me seems a little small. I do love the huge circular pads at Blue Valley.
Once again, these are my own opinions and do not represent anybody else however I will point out that you and I do agree on HopSlam. :-)
Aside from my concerns, I am glad Smithville is in the ground and it's not like I will never go back.