Nick, at least they did a great copy job with the flip up, that they copied from Yamaha.
Back in the day Yamaha brought out a flip top that protected the keys when closed and had all the buttons on the inside of the lid - just like the technics KN7000.
But technics hasd taken the sound and functionality far ahead, then stopped.
Cost?
Also, for those diehard Technics fans that don't believe look at this video.....1984 Yamaha PS6100
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szoUJSh1sbQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4hVYbF5oZAAllan