I get the sense that virtually everyone feels that either carbon fiber trim or blade (or both) are premium/high end options for the car. When I look at the stuff, it makes me think of unfinished fiberglass. I also wonder if it will cause a vehicle to look dated or gimmicky in a few years. Does anyone else feel this way, or am I completely on my own here?

but......it IS a matter of taste. like driving a Z4. i am not sure why anyone would be seen in one, but that is just my opinion.

apart from the LEDs, nothing else on my car has caused so much attention, smiles, and near misses as my CF blades. no other car in the world has anything like them.

interiors are ok, though I would rather have brushed aluminum

No kidding. Nothing but compliments about the Carbon here!

I guess that's if there's anything subtle about an R8.

C/F on red - no, didn't like that one bit.
I wasn't a fan of silver blades on black either - dunno, just me, but the major contrast of colors doesn't do it for me.

Like RXBG said, it's all a matter of preference. Thank goodness we're all allowed to have an opinion!

;)

I really liked the carbon fiber on the RS6, thought it worked OK on the RS4, and now I am done. My next car will have aluminum interior bits. Metal and/or wood just seem more timeless.

Now on the R8, the blade serves a visual purpose. The carbon fiber blade works as a R8 blade but it is not my favorite choice.

(according to his interview with Tanner Foust on Super Cars Exposed)