TRAITOR!
Seriously, I would have to agree.
However, I can see how that large grain could be a turn-off to many. The B&W veneers have tighter grain and a more conservative look to them.
MA Golds have very nice veneers (especially in cherry, my personal favorite, btw), but they cost a grip.
The Swans look OK, but I'm not crazy about the yellow midrange (on it, the B&W, the Wharfedales, et al).
Where are the Swans made?