The Islander is the embodyment of 'classic British design'. That's not exactly a compliment. Built do to one thing - and good at it - but with lots of unnecessary unpleasantness.
When I was flying them I used to imagine Messrs Britten & Norman having a conversation during the design process:
Britten: Well, Norman, from these plans & calculation it looks like we're going to achieve the short field targets we want.
Norman: Yes. Before we commit to metal, what say we remove those nasty aspects in the design? Before it will cost anything more than a bit of calculation & drawing.
Britten: Why?
Norman: Yes. I see what you mean...