-jets, I have to disagree with you. If a major manufacturer comes out with a crappy design, it will probably reduce use of utility bikes. Most people buy a bike and are stuck with it, they don't keep buying bikes until they find one that works. Most people wouldn't know why a bike doesn't work for them, they just don't use it.
As far as not being able to have a rough idea of how a bike will ride by looking at a picture, well, if you have never ridden a loaded touring bike or utility bike, I would agree with you. But if you have ridden a few, certain designs are obvious to those with experience.