That is certainly true, and it does seem to be on the side by default. I have a netbook-like Vaio with Wubi install that will provide quite a good test before upgrading my main PC - always lacking on the vertical. For me it doesn't take away from the ugliness: Ubuntu was starting to look really slick and "pro" with its black bars and smart new font. Those garish icons always screaming at me bring to mind a laptop covered in stickers and a keyboard so riddled with extra rubber Interweb buttons that you're scared to touch it. Of course, everything should have it's chance. I just wonder whether the switch to default status is warranted.
Glad to see the downvote-disagree is becoming ever more prevalent! Obviously an opinion on the aesthetics is totally unproductive. Here we go again... k--;