>If the debate is not about how something looks then why was your first instinct to dismiss them as “just prettier versions of :) and :(“?

...because I was responding to someone who said emojis were a new and previously unrealized form of communication! Seriously guys...

You know, you're right; I find myself reaching for a "smashes head against brick wall" emoji right about now.

Oh, damn; I just described that emotion with words. I guess I'm still right.