Zigrat,
Compared to the bottom picture (circular areas) the top picture setup is more demanding and cuts some options from present MA system. (Not a bad thing in my view, but might be too much for many customers)
-Homeland and HQ are harder to attack since perks are needed for late war planes from enemy's captured mid war fields.
-There is not that much unperked mid-mid and even less late-late action.
The bottom picture would allow the home island attack from the sides with equal planes. Still it would make the defence easier compared to present system. There would cleary be 3 fronts, 2 Late war fronts and one mid war (easier) front to defend instead of late war planes attacking form all sides.
Maybe the options are:
-if perks are used for mid and late war planes at earlier areas, top map would be better.
-if no later planes can be upped from earlier areas, bottom map would work better.
IMO the circular map might be easier for all to accept even with the perk system. I really would like to see something like this come true... that is why I am suggesting not to take too much away from the present MA.