If you are asking a question like this, I get the impression that you haven't even played this template in the second version. The difference is in contact. Previously, to avoid early encounters, we played the original 8xm8a as Red against Pink.
At that time, both players were on diametrically opposite locations. In version b, Blue's position was fixed and moved to Pink's spot, while Pink was accordingly moved to Blue's spot.
As for the like/dislike aspect. It's of course great that you specifically don't like this template. But maybe it would be better to hold a vote regarding the template pool?
Because regarding Russel Mix, I didn't understand what the issue is.