Its funny there is this Canadian complex of AK47 obsession, like a forbidden fruit. The type 81 is a fine platform with a reasonable history of service in volume.
The reaction of North Americans seeing a type 81 is much like when I observe British friends seeing the SAN for the first time, they find it ugly because they haven't really seen much of it growing up and keep comparing it to things they are used to.
Or imagine showing Jeremy Clarkson a beloved NA pickup truck, puke at first sight.
I'm a big AK fan and I have no problen with the look of the Type 81.
That's especially so in nonrestricted guise where an 18.6" barrel looks a bit awkward on the AK but is hardly noticable on the Type 81.