It's slowly growing on me. The aluminum rails and reinforced frame/frame-liner are two very nice upgrades. The seven's nostalgia, created by the reintroduction of the plastic trim/skirts, is awesome, in my personal opinion. Yes, I am a Gold Crown 1-6 enthusiast. Regardless, I don't believe that makes my opinion about said reintroduction biased, though. Sure, nostalgia is always a great feeling. That's a given. However, I am truthfully a fan of the plastic trim/skirts, on the GC-7. Specifically, because of it's targeted fan-base.
A base that consists of Brunswick and/or GC enthusiasts (obviously), table mechanics, cue makers, retailers, collectors, amateur, and professional players, alike. I can honestly appreciate that. Mainly because Brunswick could've changed the design, entirely, without batting an eye. It would've sold, no-matter-what. There are millions of people that have played on GCs, in pool-halls and bars, yet, have no clue, let alone care. Considering that, the trim/skirts are a nod to people and/or players that sincerely care, and have a serious passion for the game, itself. A sincere nod to the people/players that I would say matter the most, in regard to the nostalgia-factor. Brunswick certainly did not have to do that, but they did, anyway. Again, in my opinion, that's awesome, but I digress.
The only change(s) I don't really care for, is the design of the ball-storage/ball-box. I'm sure new storage area works well, I just can't get past disliking how it looks, over-all. Seems like it was a decision based on saving money and maximizing profit. I only say that because it's been replaced with the same wire material used to make the returns out of, as opposed to wood and/or metal, like previous models. It's more than simply its looks, that I dislike. I really don't like the placement of it now, either. Which, ironically contributes to its unfortunate aesthetics, anyway. Making it a part of the rail assembly, like previous models, was more innovative and convenient. It was also a much sleeker look, too. Rather than leaving it obviously exposed, on either side of the ball-box.
Getting down to brass tacks, I really like the Gold Crown 7, and all of its design changes and/or upgrades, except for 1. I'd give it a 8, out of ten. That number could go up-or-down by 1, after I get the chance to actually play on one.