Whilst I understand the potential benefits of handles toe and side inserts and I can see why they looked at changing the laws. Some people are saying that why cane in the handle it is not sustainable at the moment but the law states:
The handle is to be made principally of cane and or wood, glued where necessary and bound with twine along the upper portion
There are still ways that you can get the same benefits that they supplied within the new laws. In some instances it may mean less of a shelf life for the bat but I doubt that Grade A cricketers will mind.
Like you say the talk about coverings and logo thickness and there potential to enhance performance. At the moment I don't think there is a huge benefit but thickness size restriction on this are the correct way to go as yes certain materials will add benefits. But there will always be something out there that could be used within the laws for coverings
Or is that not in the Spirit of Cricket, whilst on that subject. If you believe, like alot of people do, that cricket has become more of showman like spectacle and that has pushed itself towards a bias towards the batter rather then the bowler. Why not even it up that way as well.....