I think they had to change the original design. Local residents were giving out that a large stand would be blocking light to their houses or something. I do think they could fit more rows in there with a steeper stand.
Apparently the stadium is supposed to be great. The opening game was an irish team against a man u 11 and ferguson came out afterwards and told the press that the facilities for players and staff are the best he has seen in the world!
I think the stadium was designed by the same person who did the emirates as far as I can remember. It would make sense though as the stands are the same really.