Thinner script is an option. Thicker, more molded-together letters are an opposing option. Dots are there because Bob sticks them in most places - I don't care for them myself. E-R-A does not naturally mold together as well as A-C so there have to be some compromises. And that A is giving me fits, so don't critique too specifically there. The end of this will be very smooth and integrated, the curves and thicknesses will all match, etc. Typography, even artistic typography, boils down to the subtlest variations in letterform - a miniscule tweak can change something from perfect to horrid or vice versa.
Patrick - yes, I have a bit of experience at this. About 30 years' worth.
