It's the double-felled inseam that confuses me most. It appears that Levi's switched from the single inseam to the double sometime in 2006. Same with the rear pockets, and, apparently, the overall fit.
Another thing--the rear pockets on these are higher and don't sit down on your hamstrings like they do on the single-felled 2003's.
I have seen pictures on ebay some time ago that clearly showed a 2003 model that had the smaller, v-shaped rear pockets, too (0194 dark stone, though).
As my only experience with the '03 model are studies of pictures on the net, some tried on pairs of (European) jeans and occasional visits to the Levi's store to have another look at them, I cannot say much. What I found out about the European models is that there are single and double felled inseams around as well es different coloured stitching on pockets and yoke seams. Anyway, this doesn't give a hint about US 501s.
What's more, there are, evidently, some minor year-to-year differences within the 2003-era 501's as well. I have 501's made in 2003 with blue stitching around the button holes, and 501's made in 2004 with gold stitching.
Let me make a guess here: There evidently have been a lot of complaints from long-time 501 customers after the change in fall of 2003. I reckon the complaints never stopped and gave LS&Co quite a hard time, having them make constant changes as to satisfy customers but still not to lose their face and go back to the beloved '93 cut. There may not be a clean changeover at all, the '03 model may have evolved over the time. I'd say the new, universal cut is clear evidence that the "anti-fit" was despised by customers, as it has been around for a mere five years. Look at the '84 and '93 model, which were essentially the same, this style has been for some 20 years around before a change.
Too bad LS isn't any good at answering these sorts of questions.
Exaxtly. Last week I found a job description on the net for a job at LS&Co's customer service. One does only have to have a basic interest in fashion. There is no knowledge of Levi's current or vintage products needed!