I totally see the desire to have an AK mag in a gun that even slightly resembles an AK... or is even from the same era as the AK. Its a style thing. But the reality is that the STANAG mag is a better option for a gun that looks modern and from a functionality standpoint with the side mag release and straight insertion.
I voted for a X39 rifle but in reality, in doing so, we all voted for an upper as the lower already exists.
Down the road, I can totally see the value in developing another lower for AK mags. But up front, for now... go with the simplest, fastest and most cost effective route (which is what this project has been abotu since day 1).