TBF When I first saw the designs I didn't mind them.
However, personally I think they look GREAT... in acetal and plated versions ONLY.
The frosted acrylic with all the little circles looks stupid, add coloured water underneath and it just gets worse. If you've seen some of the Facebook pics you'll probably agree they just aren't the show pieces they used to be. If you are looking for a water-block, yes they might be fine, and get the job done. Looking for a show-piece like a murderbox style windows, coloured fluids etc (which lets be honest is part of the draw) they've lost it. And it's only going to take one company to come in and do what EK isn't any more and EK can kiss their business good-bye.
I must say though, that the new range is absolutely about saving costs.
Look at ever new block in the range... All square pieces of some material on the top. means less cutting, less cost and more profit.
Look at the new bases. No extension out of the side of the card where the barbs used to mount, smaller pieces of copper, with less waste.
Are we seeing better prices? Not really! So what have WE gained? Apart from less style, more complicated loops and much, MUCH, more stubbornness from Ek?