I am in the process of finishing up my cabinet and it sounds the design will fit your bill to.
On jakobuds site (i think) is where i found the plans i am using for a Moon Patrol cabinet. Mine was originally going to be a mame machine but i decided to get a neo geo 1 slot for it. I still need to add a back to mine, sand and paint and finish some wiring and i will be done.
Moon Patrol is a nice cabinet as it fits all your requirements, 23" control panel that does not extend beyond the sides, has that 80's look to it, i was able to fit a 2-player neo-geo layout with out any problems.
Something to ponder anyway.