I don't have an answer really. What I have noticed is that views have changed the more fans understand about each element. It's clear that the majority of fans want something representative of Manchester's history that has been used before on a badge (but not necessarily an old badge as a whole). There's debate on what specific elements matter most - hence my question earlier in the thread about which one element would fans pick if you could only have one. Overwhelmingly the use of the name Manchester City has been expressed to me personally, but ships, rivers, rose and eagles have their own fans.
Personally, design matters to me. The badges that include every element, no matter how little we know about their true meanings (such as the cross pattee), seem cluttered. The badge needs to stand out on shirts etc. I was in Croatia this summer and the Hajduk Split badge was everywhere. It really stood out. They've gone through lots of badge changes over the years for various reasons but their badge is recognisable and a strong part of their identity but very simple. I'm not saying that style is necessarily right for City, but it perhaps shows that badges can be simple, clean and stand out while also recognising historical context and identity.
What do you think geekingav? I'm not going to say what I prefer (unless I'm asked in the Q&A section of my talks) because I don't want to prejudice views, and I want fans to think about what matters to them personally. As individuals we need to submit our views to City. It's a great opportunity, let's use it. No other club has done this and I love what they're doing.
