I'm glad we're on the same page
You went a little overboard with the Mariah Carey comparison but I get your point
You make a good point too with Harry but they have to have someone giving them guidelines, at least on studio. I doubt they come up with the vocal runs all by themselves. Otherwise why would Zayn always hit that same note on studio?
I'm still getting to know his vocals, could you show me some good live examples of his head voice? Or he doesn't use his on stage? I focused more on his belts because in my opinion that's where the most technique comes in but head voice can be nice too
When all is said and done and when 1D decides to stop making albums (hopefully not in the near future) I could see Zayn moving into the R&B genre. I'd be definetly buying his stuff

but meanwhile I'm more than happy to see 1D together!