the two shapes are different so it doesn't matter what the "general preference" is. I don't like ambidextrous mice so if I were to get one, I'd get the ec2.
I would buy a Steelseries KANA over a Zowie AM, and a Razer Deathadder over a Zowie EC1.
As for the Zowie EC2 eVo, well it's unique in terms of it's size for the shape it is. I found the eVo sensor that's present in both the AM and EC2 eVo to malfunction on multiple mouse pads, but when my EC1 eVo was functioning correctly it was brilliant. I would love an EC2 for my qck+, but i won't buy once since my deathadder functions just fine.
Buy a KANA, unless you don't mind potentially switching mousepad... in which case risk it and buy a EC2 eVo.