I think what's important here is that you to distinguish what part of the "design" you are referring to. According to everything OP said, you are making mention of the paint job, and not the frame redesign. The paint job is very simplistic, I'll admit, but there is much worse on the market if you ask me. Personally, I like the K.I.S.S. paintjob design, as it's not so "in your face". It is subtle, but fast in its presence.
Now, referring to the engineering of the frame. I think the new design is far superior, and much more refined. It really looks like they put some good thought into the artistic flow of the lines as well. And, from what I've read from initial reviews by some of the mags, the new Orca is an all around better performer than the old one. But, that's just the initial impressions.
Honestly, if I was given the chance to own one at a great price, I wouldn't toss it out the window, that's for sure. Besides, the Diva model in Fuschia, is really quite pretty.
