Here's my current control panel layout ... this is a jpg export from the freehand file.
After all the talk, reading, etc., I actually ended up changing a couple of things while i was drawing. 1. I dropped the 4th button on the primary joysticks 2. swapped the 4-way and spinner positions 3. I dropped the 3rd button by the 4-way stick. I couldn't find any 4-way games I play that used the extra buttons (the neo geo layout or 3 buttons with the 4way).
This should leave enough clear space above the trackball, and you can reach the spinner without going directly over the player 2 joystick.
Buttons are on 1-5/8" centers, 2-3/4" from joysticks. the blue buttons are mouse buttons, Pause buttons are the black ones in the upper right/left.
Not shown are the pinball buttons on the front and side; and the admin buttons which will be on the front and left side.
Thanks in advance for your input.