For a piano player, low C is actually a good starting note for a 76. It's about as low as you ever go on a piano in standard use. But all in all, I'd rather have those notes at the top than extra notes at the bottom.
Bottom line, it's all a compromise. But with so few interested in an 88 note arranger, it's one we have to make. Me, I'm more into LH bass than sub notes on a grand, so I'm OK with the current trend in 76's. But it must be hell for keybed manufacturers these days, having to make so many different types!
I'm still having trouble listening to Ian being so enthusiastic about 76's now that Yamaha finally caved! Am I the only one here cursed with the ability to remember back more than a few posts? One more 76 arranger than there used to be is hardly a renaissance for the form!