The problem with a design field becoming established is that, in pursuit of fads, status, or inflated sense of self-importance, the designers begin to pursue design for design's sake. Looking backwards for ANY reason becomes taboo, and they start to conflate their ridiculous ideas with "progress." Without a clear line to the end-user it becomes a goal-seeking exercise that only claims to be user-oriented.

I just want a really solid, wholly original 90's style high-relief theme for GTK/Cinnamon and Qt. I used to use the old 2000 theme on Windows XP and 7 with some darker colors, it looked and felt great.