I don't think people should look at this as an all-or-nothing debate. I think there is an importance to following an HIG as a basic guideline and stray from it as it seems appropriate or for the sake of creativity. It's when it strays too far from it when things can become problematic.
Just like with traffic laws, not coming to a full stop at a stop sign is not equal to speeding down a highway going in the opposite direction of traffic.
Apple straying and introducing a metallic patten does not equal the extent of an Adobe Air application forcing me to hit an icon button to access preferences rather than through the common menu bar location. One is aesthetic while the other is functional. And basically, one irritates me way more than the other.
Just like with traffic laws, not coming to a full stop at a stop sign is not equal to speeding down a highway going in the opposite direction of traffic.
Apple straying and introducing a metallic patten does not equal the extent of an Adobe Air application forcing me to hit an icon button to access preferences rather than through the common menu bar location. One is aesthetic while the other is functional. And basically, one irritates me way more than the other.