I think it's important to separate patterns from aesthetics. Patterns help us understand a new interface for sure, but aligned aethetics start to look mundane. That's why I was specifically calling out the color usage and typefaces.
I actually think the other things that Jim mentioned, such as the async task gradient / standard sidebar for agents are good things.
The funny thing is that looking like everyone else was once considered the definition of good UI design, because it helps users understand a new interface. Then mobile apps came and suddenly UI design was about “expressing your brand” or whatever.