I believe we really share common tastes Jérôme.
I am very pleased to see that finally there is a return to more elegant (slim) proportions for the largest version of the Reverso.
I have always found all the previous 'grande' or XGT Reversos cases unaesthetic on the wrist due to a thickness out of proportions compared to the original design / original standard of the Reverso, but with this one it seems that the reverso ratio is back, and from what I see it works very well on the large case as it did with the other smaller sizes before.
However, I also agree with you that the cal 976 is rather disappointing from an aesthetic point of view (it is understandable as it is apparently a striped-down version of the automatic, so not designed with beauty in mind), and I also think that, as there is not much to see, there is no real justification for a display back on this one.
So, I applaude the introduction of a 'slim grande', but I am now waiting for other models to be introduced with a more pleasing movement to admire (or, a non-display back with some nice enamel designs instead).
Thanks for the report.