Again, my speculation is based on them throwing out most of the design, but not the stories and EVENTS of the previous series for the most part regardless if they had a widespread effect or not. Why? Because for the most part they've honored continuity in the past, and furthermore the whole premise for the new show is to be set in an event in continuity that was only referenced, but never seen. If that isn't respect for story continuity, I don't know what is.
Could they ignore the flatheads completely? Of course, they can do anything that they want. I haven't heard an argument of why they should want to or why it would be better to have one or the other type of Klingon. Assuming the Klingons will be the initial metaphor for 21st century humanity, it seems that they might need a varied species to accurately mirror our culture now. Once we get more info, all our guessing will be put to rest. For now, let's keep up the speculation because it's all we've got.
We need a Romulus and Remus in DSC thread next. This would be an example of the kind of continuity they might bend, to get cool races like the Remans, Jem'hadar, and Borg into the 23rd down the line even though all originated in the 24th.

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We can't have The Romulans appear at any time in this show because it would damage the continuity of TOS Balance of Terror!

JB