Of course in reality, Franklin only ever suggested the Turkey in a jesting fashion, mainly to lambast the Society of the Cincinnati, which promently used the bald eagle as a symbol. Franklin felt the Society was far too much like European-style military orders, and wanted to mock it. (He really felt that overt militarism and symbolism that encouraged it were a bad idea, but he never seriously suggested using the turkey instead of the eagle.)
That said: the fact that the bald eagle drew such criticism allows us to easily imagine what a vehement reaction the use the 'imperial' eagle would inspire. Using it as the USA's symbol? I don't think it's going to fly, if you'll excuse my pun.