Just my opinion here, if you follow a recipe then follow it so you know what it's supposed to be, then you can adjust. A JAOM isn't it's namesake if you change yeast, then it's a mead with spices and fruits, a BOMM isn't the same without 1388. Now with that said, you can absolutely use any yeast you like, what's the difference between Coke and Pepsi? In mead it could be one ingredient difference that changes your mind from drinkable to desirable, if you want to experience the same nostalgic mead everyone has tried at some point, just follow the recipe. If you try a few changes the results can vary so be warned.
Sorry if that went to long, either way try what you can and learn from there. My personal bit is without the exact ingredients list it's not a true JAOM but that's just me, cheers.