Two things. First tastes change. There was a time when people appreciated the artistry and craftsmanship in a firearm. This is easy to see in the "Golden Age" of muzzle loaders with it's various schools For craftsmanship, Uncle Franny who took up gunsmiths after WWII was well respected for his polishing ans bluing jobs. Others were famous for stock work like flawless checkering which you know isn't easy if you've ever tried it.
Today people are drawn to tacticool. Anything that makes you look more dangerous and more macho (now there;s a dated term) than the next guy.
Craftsman shop? CAD/CAM everything, craftsmanship is all in the geeks that designed the electronics.
Secondly it's a function of history. Firearm,s technology was first applied to military arms. The civilian market followed with former service men wanting what they experienced in the service. Bolt action displaced lever actions and trapdoors and falling blocks after Mausers came out. Autoloaders were a novelty before people experienced the Garand. So now we're experiencing the effect coming from Stoner's dream (nightmare)..
Personally I prefer a firearm that is aesthetically pleasing to look at in the classic sense as well as functional. Not one that is merely functional.
