On the further goal to help clients be able to recognize their sites by mirroring their sites, I think one I've done recently is a pretty good mirror while still incorporating the elements that we need to keep our SEO work strong. The site dealt with acreage property for sale in Alberta and it really does look like the clients original. Except without that image positioning that the client really needs to fix on their end. It really wouldn't even be that hard....

All in all, doing the best to keep the clients happy.