My only hope: as long as people are interested in the original (read vintage Levi's 501s) there will be a certain demand for repro jeans.

So ended up picking some of these up as they look like a wider / more accommodating fit than the original and actually Signet had them at a great price (plus I also panicked slightly at the FC pricing chat and the thought of my beloved Warehouse going the same way). Building on my reverence for the brand in owning an anniversary pair too. Awaiting their delivery now and crossed digits Fedex don't stiff me on import. I also picked up a pair of 1000XX 1946 DSB (critically, not 1001XX (1000XX)) - this was based almost entirely on assumptions on sizing, if anyone has any sizing info on these (at size 34) I would be very grateful - these aren't coming from the other side of the world though so returns / re-sell shouldn't be an issue if it's gone wrong. I'm essentially hunting for a slightly wider / looser version of what I already have, one in DSB and one in Banner, to cover all my favourite material needs.

Longines 1927 limited edition 18K RMC denim & Denime mother denim

Seconding b_Fs suggestions, I take a w38 in OA and w36 in all my Freewheelers jeans. And always buy from Hoosier.