I don't think the optical lens is ugly and I'm not concerned about what's behind me off-road. I'm concerned about backing over my dog or the neighbor's kid. I didn't buy the VX for only sport driving. It's also for everyday Atlanta-suicide mission-driving. Call me stodgy, but safety is important to me. It may not hurt any less, but if I'm about to get rear-ended by some yahoo on the interstate who's more concerned about their caramel-mocha latte than they are paying attention to traffic, I want to see it coming.