[PavlovsCat]

They should make a strategic design decision and execute it consistently -- have a strong opinion.

Amen! Generally this disturbs me about a lot of web stuff (probably because it is the one area in which I'm exposed to it) - caring more about what people expect or want, rather what you wish they would want, because you like it yourself. The winning logo is so ugly, I'd use it as an glaring example why you can't poll the masses on style or taste, not as a guideline. Not that I think it matters that much; the world is full of ugly logos, but as long as they stand for something want/need, we tend to accept or even like them. But still. Yech.