Funny.
I had a round Nordic (hated it!) before I bougth my Tiger river (love it).
Round tub seating is hard to streach out in. or lean back into the seats. It's basic, it works, I had a ball in my old round 12 jet Nordic. But there is no comparission for me between the Caspain and the Old Nordic. Night and day.
Wet test and dicide. But I think you are right, for entertaining and sociliing the open seating (barrier free) is the best. Tubs with a lot of sculpted seats or loungers I find it's a bit more difficult when friends want to sit and talk and visit with each other.
Maybe you can find a tub that offers the best of both?