hey Golly,
I also like the original kettle much more compared to the compact, but why do you call it a piece of shit?
Yes, because of the shape of the bowl there are some heat-issues, and yes, it does not have the one-touch system. But beside that?
My 18" compact is from 2008 and hasn't been treated nor cleaned very well since then; and there is for example still no sign of rust on lid or bowl.....