Some people like a flashy UI, the modern look is important for them. It's ok to have aesthetic preferences, let's not pretend we don't all have them.
In the end, it's a niche search engine I've made, the intended audience is the long tail. It just isn't for everyone, and if it was for everyone, it probably would be lesser for it.
I'm glad you aren't trying to please anyone. I'd like a return to an internet with fewer colors, gadgets and gizmos, custom fonts, TypeKit, JavaScript requirements, and so on. Most of the time I'm reading articles, so just give me more text and less fluff!
In the end, it's a niche search engine I've made, the intended audience is the long tail. It just isn't for everyone, and if it was for everyone, it probably would be lesser for it.