Traditional versus modern Shepherd's Pie — which wins?

I've now had Shepherd's Pie prepared traditionally and in a modern interpretation. Both are interesting. The traditional version emphasises proper beef suet in the way pub food culture has undergone a renaissance in the gastropub era. The deeply satisfying character is more pronounced and direct.

The modern interpretation is technically impressive but loses something. The a traditional seaside chippy context for the traditional version adds meaning that plating alone can't provide. dry cider with the traditional version made more sense than with the modern. Traditional wins, but the modern is worth trying once.