I have taken offense to nothing. Life is too short to get bent out of shape over words on the screen typed by an anonymous stranger.
However, I see A LOT of remarks by folks who say looks don't matter with a lot of implied meaning. I see A LOT of condescending snide remarks about guns and/or grips that are "pretty". A LOT of comments that wood grips are nice to look at but rubber is for shooting. The attitude is that rubber is for serious shooters, "pretty" grips are for those who just want to brag but don't really shoot. It's some mutated form of reverse snobbery where folks look down on "pretty guns", "pretty wood" or turn their nose up at ivory and engraving. Very little live and let live. I don't care if you prefer stainless/synthetic, you don't have to belittle another's choices. Which is exactly what I purposely did with the "junk" comment. One snide comment begets another and pretty soon, we can't have a civilized, mutually respectful discussion. So yes, I think we can do without Barbie Doll comments. It might prevent such "stainless/synthetic junk" responses.
I don't care if folks like underlugs or not. I made no remarks about that at all other than to state my preference. The 5" 29 Classic that Bob posted is perhaps the finest example of a modern DA. I just think that on most guns it's unnecessary weight. The point I was trying to make is that EVERYBODY cares about how a gun looks, even those who claim not to. Just because you don't care for wood grips, engraving, high polished finishes, etc., etc. does not mean you don't care how a firearm looks. Would you hunt with a S&W .460 if it was pink with yellow daisies all over it? Of course not. So, get over yourself already. Stainless/synthetic doesn't make you a more serious shooter than the guy who likes engraving, high polish bluing and custom grips. Probably the reverse is true.
How many time have we seen folks claim that their custom wood grips are a pain to shoot, but are left on the gun cause they look good?...
Factory yes, custom no. It is a very popular misconception that soft rubber is more comfortable to shoot. In reality, a properly designed, constructed and fitted set of custom grips will be infinitely better in every way. Folks like to look down their noses at them because they cost a lot more than their $16 Hogue's. The design and how they fit your hand are all that is important, material is irrelevant. A proper set of grips doesn't have to be squishy.
Similar to those that spend thousands on chrome for a bike, but then cheap out on tires, or have a seat that looks cool, but rides like a rock. Bike looks good sittin' in front of the bar, but let's pray they don't have 500 miles to go in the pourin' rain.
And should you assume that everybody who spends thousands on chrome also does not care about having good tires, a comfortable ride and a good seat? Probably not. My bike is flat black. My pipes are flat black. It's decidedly unflashy. Has nothing I don't need and is quite "utilitarian". Does that mean I don't care how it looks? Absolutely, positively not. Just as some folks love the looks of Glocks, AR-15's and stainless guns with synthetic stocks.