[JoeKM]

> The solution is to keep light gradients, light drop shadows, and some gloss. Just enough to keep a good level of usability, while not adding excessive ornamentation.

I agree intensely with this. I have always preferred designs without excessive ornamentation, but at the same time I like a little gradients and border radius. Border radius gets me especially.. you can have flat design with border radius -- but you don't need a border; just use border radius by itself. The kind of flat design that is all about sharp edges and boxes is so ugly.