So you mean to tell me if you were to go buy a car, you'd take a great looking car with a so-so engine over a car with a alright look and a great running engine? That's the point I am making, quality, content and SEO will make up about 80% of the site.

For instance, Google has a plain site (a simple logo and search box) but they have good content, quality is a high factor for them, etc.

But I do agree, decisions are based off looks sometimes and it SHOULD BE as you want to present a professional image.

For that matter, I have decided to start a custom design for my blog, I should have it done in about a week from now. Thank you all for your input. Anymore advice is appreciated.