There's something to be said for simple elegance.
Lots to consider - for instance - what the designer/builder/finisher had in mind, the concept, the execution thereof, the whole vibe and mojo of the instrument's look, versus the God given aesthetic of wood structure.
There's more to it than looks, like Col. Whelen said about rifles "only accurate rifles are interesting", to me the same holds true with guitars, except they must play and sound well. Even the worst rat looker can be a winner if it plays well, and has some mondo tone.
A lot of times, less is more.... old school is the best school, and the tone jumps out of a picture at you, even though you haven't played the axe at all.
Thats where my vote went. :icon_tongue: