Tenderfoot, my wife and I went back and forth regarding the a U shaped counter or an island. After spending many hours in units on dealer lots and at RV shows we felt the island layout was better suited for us. Now that we have been in the coach for three weeks and have entertained lots of family we have no regrets. Being able to take the "shortcut" to the frig instead of the long way around and through guests is the ticket!
I'm not saying one floorplan is better than another because we all are different, but I will say that you need to imagine as many possiblities as you can. For sure Heartland does not make it easy to choose.