Your explanation makes a lot of sense, thanks for explaining your thought process! I did briefly look up all the different things you mentioned.
I still prefer the modern Tetris colours, because that's what I'm most familiar with. But even if you tried to follow the modern colour scheme, it would be difficult since it's not the same pieces, and I'm sure not everyone would agree with my reasoning :p
Since you mentioned an alternative timeline, it got me thinking how someone could take the new concept and simulate the evolution through different eras and devices. It would be a lot of work, but a very cool and fun art project.
Although, if it were realistic, it would probably evolve into Tetris pieces because of how balanced they are compared to other variations. They are truly the crabs of the block stacker format.
(\/) (°,,,,°) (\/)