I have to admit that it's interesting how far their world has advanced in the span of almost 100 years. It seems odd, but then again, look at how much we had advanced in 100 years. Look how much we have advanced in 20 years. o_o
I really like the steampunk-esque feel of LoK. The only thing it's missing is more steampunk-esque clothing and whatnot. But I suppose the feel of the world that the creators were going for is more of an in between time with some steampunk and lots of Asian influence. I don't know if there's any tie in to steampunk and Asian customs back then.
Truthfully if they were to make another series after LoK (which, I wouldn't oppose to), they should make it in modern times, have a plot happen, and then be done with the series. We would have a way in the past, a midway point, and then a modern day version.
As for giving thanks to Cabbage Corp.? Maybe. They seem to be the head guys that lead the technological advancement train.