Hi Bruce,
Why don't you just say what you really feel? C'mon man, don't hold back!
All joking aside, I agree with you only partially, and that's probably true for most of the rest of the people on the list. For example, I look at a Cinelli Laser, with flawless execution of a bold design (revolutionary aero design in its day, coupled with nary a file mark visible through thin paint), and I think it is "beautiful." Then I look at a Colnago Oval CX, with plenty of file marks visible through the brushed-chrome finish on a rather idiosyncratic aero frame design (imo, not as effective nor elegant as the laser's, but still very cool), and I thnk it is "cool." In other words, the file marks on that particular Oval CX, which are unique to it (you wont't find the same file marks on another Oval CX), together with other aspects of its design and componentry, give it a unique personality and "charm." File marks work for some bikes, but only in the eyes of the beholder - they wouldn't do anything for me on the Laser. File marks may even be a "signature" of some frame builders, who knows? Kinda like thick hand-brushed paint between the twin plates was the way Masi chose to finish their forks - goopy paint with with visible brushstrokes - a decision based on cool counterpoint design detail, or just cheaper/easier than spraying it? who knows?.
I remember noticing file marks (I believe on the fork crown, maybe also in other spots), when I saw the photos of e-richie's Nagasawa. Does that detract from e-ritchie's appreciation of his frame? I didn't get that impression. But did he expect or anticipate them? That would be interesting to know (I expect no less than a one-liner contribution from the maestro on this, hopefully).
Lastly, I have to say that I have not seen any instances of framebuilders or painters using this forum as a means of self-promotion. Joe Starck has every right to express his opinion and defend his workmanship, every bit as much as you do of coming close to launching a personal attack against him - that is, unless the listmeister says somebody crossed the line.
Thanks for the excitement,
Ray Dobbins Miami, Florida
P.S. Some people like to call a spade a spade, others like to call it a f*****g shovel.