>I don't really see a problem with people getting driven off because 4-ch does not "look pretty" or whatever.
you dont? what about the problem of to few posters (A.K.A 4chan)?
There should not be any "LIMITING" or "SCARE AWAY" artifacts in a openminded and big BBS.
>If a bunch of people base their first impressions on shiny stuff (or lack thereof), does 4-ch really want them as users?
well yes, 4chan wants them as users. or should i say NEED "them". more people = more discussion
right now, 4chan is a underground community for 4chan/2chan lovers.. let's not keep it that way.
If there is nothing wrong with people who like simplistic design, "2channel ripoff", there should be no problem with people who likes design and "original" stuff.