I know that this opinion is definitely in the minority, but after thinking about it for a while and owning the game for a bit, I must say that I actually LIKE the backglass.
From what I’ve been able to ascertain, the large number of people that despise the artwork and instead get the eBay generic Vegas/Boobs card girl translite probably were not fans of the show. I’d venture a guess that many that actually own the game have never even seen it.
Personally, I was a HUGE fan of the show when it debuted back in 2002. That show, combined with Chris Moneymaker winning the World Series of Poker were instrumental in creating the poker boom.
It is understandable to not be a fan of the artwork specifically. I would have preferred a photoshop of Mike Sexton, Vince Van Patton, and Shana Hiatt (Friel was short lived and didn’t have the chemistry that Shana had).
Mike Sexton and VVP defined the show. The executive producer and creator, Steven Lipscomb is on the cabinet sidewall (dressed as a dealer).
Having known Mike Sexton casually for many years (not as a close personal friend, but as a poker ambassador and genuinely nice person), I think it simply makes sense to have the 3 hosts depicted on the glass. Considering the callouts that feature the trio narrating your entire game, depicting them simply makes sense.
Of course this is just my opinion, and I could be wrong.