i don't mind an outboard clutch on a smaller saw but if the husky 70cc went outboard i'd be throwing in the towel with husqvarna. i ran the 70cc prototype. it's just like a larger 562 but with a full wrap option instead of 3/4. it even sounded exactly like a 562 but a bit deeper. the case was all orange along with clutch cover but i bet husky switch it to the silver when producing them.
You likely are right about the colors - the 560 test saws were orange with a gray top cover.
An outboard clutch always is superior to an inboard, but it matters less on a large saw than on a small one - unless the bar is both short and relatively heavy. The point is that it matters less with long bars than with short ones, so I understand that PNW guys like the inboard. After all it takes a couple of seconds less to change the chain, and maybe 10 seconds less to change the rim - unless you loose some of the small parts that needs to be removed to get there.
There are no such issues with a fairly recent Husky outboard - just knock the clutch off and change or clean whatever you want. No e-clips or washers to loose.
Also, the outboard keeps the PTO side of the saw cooler, and is more maintenance friendly.
Inboards really are outdated at this point, but the saw brands have to deliver what snowed down users demands...