A slab is always nice for group planting because it is more effective in creating the feeling of open space.
But that original pot is not too bad. To me, it still does a decent job, although not as original as with a slab.
By the way, those slabs (especially the large ones) are pretty tough to come by.
Can anyone refresh our memories here, as to resourses on how to make those artificial slabs at home? I remember seing instructions in some books and even websites, but I don't remember where.
As an afterthought, I think Su Chin Ee has some instructions in "Creating Bonsai Lanscapes". I am also thinking about going to some of our Lanscaping Stone Yards (places that sell rocks for lanscape contractors) and look for Shale and other type of stratified stones that could do the job. The biggest challenge in that case would be to learn how to cut those stones to the right size and shape, using a chisel and a hammer.