Is there any sound difference between a curled or straight bass regulator? If not, besides the ease of transport, are there any other differences? Or do the two styles come down to personal preference when playing?

Thanks for the help. Please direct if you know of another thread dealing with this question.

There shouldn't be any difference in the sound. If the upper bar is straight instead of folded down to run along mainstock, then you have to get accustomed to having it on top of the arm of your upper chanter hand, and somewhat limiting how much you can move or position that arm. Joey Abarta has the folded kind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDrZladP8mk

If you want the straight kind but compactness is an issue for transport, some pipemakers do a removable bass regulator.