I think the flashier quilt tops come across as stunning woodworking that can distract from / compete with the stunning guitarmaking. They can look almost delicate, like they're meant to be well-lit and admired on a wall. When I look at some of them, I can hear my mom yell "USE A COASTER!"
I mildly prefer flame because I like my guitars to look like the rock and roll weapons they are, like they WANT to get scratched and beat up and taken into combat. A Ferrari doesn't need a vinyl wrap. James Bond doesn't need a red velvet smoking jacket - he needs a tux, to subtly accentuate, not draw attention.
That said I would shank a guy for either of the above pictured guitars, so there you go. Not a lot of bad choices in this catalog.