on the one hand this sucks on the other hand let a thousand schools of steinberger/strandberg-style weirdness bloom

I think Fender are idiots for doing this but I also wonder why companies copy the body style so slavishly. You would think makers of musical instruments would be a little more creative themselves.

I guess Steinberger guitars are protected by some branding too, also Steinberger seems to own some patents (maybe the headless/bridge combo?). No idea if they are still valid.

Agreed. I personally don't like the S-shaped ones. But ended up buying one cos there was none else in the store.