I could be wrong here, since all I know about planes I have learned in the last 2 months. But, it would seem that Stanley had in mind this plane from the beginning when it was assigned "No. 1."
Given that, I am not sure that it could have been a "follow-on" product.
I looked at the LN while at the WIA conference. I have very small hands, and it just was awkward for me to hold. I guess with practice.....