black is a fad or trend like beanie babies. It is also offense to see beautiful and natural wood obliterated like that. Sort of like a tatoo you reget getting and stuck with.
Actually Jay, black, in this instance, is exactly what Edward wanted to achieve, and he did a masterful job of it. I would venture that when you do your projects, you endeavor to meet your own tastes, and I trust that you put as much thought and effort into that as did Edward. That being the case, your tastes and effort should likewise be applauded.
My bet is there would be a bunch of folks on this forum that love wood, may not desire a black finish, but would nonetheless not be "offended." Count me as one.