There were all kinds of "discussions" as to handle placement and how people use the lids. The "problem" with the large front-only handle was the weight of it. Sure -you're supposed to roll it back into the cradle, but you know that someone will lift it off when it's hot and slam it into their leg while wearing shorts. Not to mention the clip in heat shield that was adapted from the old performer thermometer handle strap.
We had about 4 or 5 protos of the 22" smoker lid with various handle placements as well.
Funny.. For all my work, I never got a 22" smoker or a 26" kettle, lol.