The points made in my post are based strictly off of what the numbers say. As you can see, most of the line up changes make very little difference. So yes, if Cora is keeping the line up the way he has it because players have told him that they don't want to hit in another spot, then I'm all for it. I have not seen any indication that this is the case, however. To me, it sounds like Cora is just intent on having the #2-5 spots remain where they are.
Unlike most batting order tweaks, having what should be a #8 hitter (Kike) batting lead off is a pretty egregious error for this line up, as far as managerial errors go. It's akin to batting a pitcher at the top of the order. It could cost the team 2 games over the course of the season. If Cora does not have a strong reason for not putting Verdugo in the lead off spot, then he is making a mistake, IMO.