Considering that Michael has been selling these flutes for many decades now with little change, I think it’s safe to assume that he is fairly comfortable with the product he’s putting out. I doubt we’re going to be seeing significant changes or improvements. There have been lengthy discussions in the past on where, how, and by whom these flutes are made, and those details explain some of why M&E flutes are how they are, and why things aren’t likely to change much. Kinda sucks, but it is what it is I suppose.
Fun Fact: An Olwell headjoint and barrel may fit right onto a 6 key M&E flute top tenon.
In the event that such an unholy marriage takes place, the resulting improvement to the M&E with regards to tone and playability could accurately be described as……
”Substantial”