Regarding the "newer model mesh vs older model tuning foam issue" this does not appear to be a QC problem at all. The newer model mesh is just a thin removable earwax filter & the tuning foam is still behind it.

Thanks for the honest review, will definitely skip on these as I own the TRI I3 as well and looks like these aren't that much of an upgrade to it.

Have you considered the possibility that you got a wrong QC unit of the Timeless? . I myself own the Timeless and I consider it to have above average soundstage and very good imaging. In fact, of all the reviews of this iem I have seen so far (aside from my own experience of owning this iem) , you are the only one who said Timeless has bad imaging and soundstage. Even some other reviewers who were critical of the Timeless were critical more of its tonality than imaging or staging problems.