Well I'm really starting to like customization. There are so many possibilities now for making your pet stand out and be individual. So much room for creativity.
Although I still prefer to "customize" my pets using art (actually in my case only makeables, because I can't draw). But with customization I can "really" make my pets at least kind of like how I imagine them. Now I can give my aspiring wizard ixi a pointy hat, I'm gonna get a purple boa and all sorts of silly accessories for my eccentric Kacheek with a Cyndi Lauper inspired personality, my fire peophin is gonna have flaming wings, and I'm gonna double paint my hissi and he'll be the coolest looking island hissi ever.
But I will never be happy about all my dream pets that were ruined. I still get upset every time I think about faerie pets, darigan pets, MSPP, Pirate and mutant xweekots. If I had a choice I'd trade in customization for the old art without a second thought.
But since I'm stuck with customization whether I like it or not, I'm trying to focus on the aspects of it I like and enjoy it. Because whining about what I hate about it won't do any good. The whole 'if you can't beat them, join them' concept.