I know I’ve overstated the case, as usual, to bring something into the light that couldn’t be seen with nuances. You are correct, some design is more effective than others. And helping clients define for each project what effective is for them may be the best route.

I can’t remember everything I had said, but I think the gist of it was this: Dijon vs. yellow mustard is a matter of personal preference only. Good, effective design vs. bad design is not.

I do hear what you are saying, because I think it’s very easy for designers to be snobby, self-satisfied, or defensive about what they do. It’s important for us to be open to new ideas even if they come from a *gasp* non-designer.

But…

There are times when it’s not ok for the client to choose the weaker design. Weaker designers are weaker because they don’t work as well, aren’t as attractive, or aren’t as creative and interesting. Shouldn’t we rather try to communicate WHY one is better than another? Otherwise, what would be the point of trying?

But… there’s a problem with your argument. Dijon vs. yellow mustard may be a matter of personal preference, but there is definitely an objective measurement of bad–that is, ineffective, unattractive design. It’s not a matter of class, it’s a matter of real standards. Sometimes, anyway.