It just doesn't seem to give the same feeling as the conifers convey - maple bonsai tend to look somewhat delicate (except for bushy broom styles) and jin usually conveys a rugged feel. But it's your tree, and if you think there's a place for it... Have you not considered wiring up a new leader from the top branches?

Hi Lucy,
This tree is very old and gnarled- we've been through a lot together. I think the jin would look OK, I didn't know if the wood was too soft or the bark would adapt in some weird way-things like that. If I eliminate the dead leader below and get something going on top it'll leave a big space because it was a full cascade
Thanks,
Steve

Maple wood is a lot harder than conifer wood.

Yes, come to think of it you're righ. I don't know why I didn't apply what I know about lumber to the source- duh!