The current 900 series models have 1 DVI, 1HDMI and 3 DisplayPort connectors. From what I can see in the product pictures, the three DisplayPorts and the HDMI port are on the first row on the PCB, curiously with the HDMI port somewhere in the middle for some weird reason, and the DVI port on the second. This means, when mounting a water cooler onto the card, they can't occupy a single PCIe slot, because the DVI port can't be conveniently removed, especially not, if the end user needs it for 3D Vision, which last time I checked was only supported via Dual-Link DVI and not DisplayPort (might have changed now). Why aren't you using mini-DisplayPorts and mini-HDMI (like on GTX 480 and 580), possibly with breakout adapters, to fit them all on the first row. I mean, even with air cooling that ought to improve the airflow out of the chassis, right?

Yes, and it's horrible. But since it's only the ports, rearranging them without interfering with the rest of the component and screw hole layout shouldn't be too much trouble, no? At worst, a detachable plug for the second row (and thus no DVI) would still be better than this. Removing it without a soldering iron isn't feasible, removing it in the first place incredibly difficult, not to mention, reattaching it when you need it or plan on reselling the thing after 1-2 years, when it is to be replaced.

The real question is why would eVGA remove a DP and add another DVI port back on the FTW and Classified models???
 

It all adds up in quantity though and its not just the dongles, it goes all the way up the supply chain.  As we have seen a lot of these 970s use the 760 PCB, so you are looking at PCBs, connectors, and backplanes too.