Modern timeline should still be the most important timeline since the pasts had already ended with tragedy then happy ending shoud happen at modern time.
For me, storyline is still the most important thing. If it's good and fresh then repeating lead actors doesn't matter, it will still convey new chemistry and feeling.
Although GS and NWFD were shoot simultaneously and broadcast back to back. I got very different feelings about KhanThong-Mangmao and Nai-Nok, even when both couples have/ face similar circumstances.
I know people don't like same leads again because it might hold back the improvement of acting. But I'm not worry in case of James Ji and Taew, they are very supporting about the acting of each other. James said Taew is his teacher. I think they will find new things when acting together for this project.
This lakorn has complex story and won't broadcast anytime soon. So just take time, you won't have to see JT at least until 2020.
With good script and good director, i can watch it even if it being played by worst actors ever. So I hope this novel being well adaption and has good directing.