[jase_coop]

I'm focusing on the fact that I think the one on the right is style over function. Based on the jquery hiding the select box and displaying a list of spans (or something similar, depending how you go about it). Either way, the original select box is mutated all for a simple change of aesthetic.

So my question is focused on the designed/engineered implementation of the select box. I was interested if anyone would bring this up or agree/disagree.

On principal, I see this as the equivalent of printing a white piece of paper with a black background. Thoughts?

[FrancescoRizzi]

Thanks for clarifying your question. So, if I get it right this time, we're talking about the design of the behind-the-scene stuff (code), regardless of the appearance. Definitely, the code on the left appears to be a better solution. At least, since "your code is my hell", I'd rather be presented with the code on the left. But, as you know, there are ways to encapsulate the code on the right so that it is exposed just like (or pretty close to) the one on the left if you really need to.