I have two cameras with built-in GPS - my K-3II and Hasselblad HV - and I have it disabled on both. I understand the benefits and I can see why people use and like it, but I just don't need it and I'd rather save a bit of battery life. Given that, I'd certainly prefer if the entire top plate on my K-3II was alloy.
Regarding the location of the GPS module, in my HV it's in one side of the camera rather than the top hump. On the rare occasions I've used it, it's not had any problem with reception... so it's definitely possible to have the module located elsewhere than the hump.
One option might be to include it in the optional battery grip. It would bump up the price of the accessory, so folks that don't need that functionality might object... but it would mean GPS could be added without occupying the flash hot-shoe.
Last edited by BigMackCam; 11-29-2021 at 05:35 AM.