Or as is the most common response to criticism for these pointless redesigns "just hate change and will get used to it".

Do you really consider "Wings wrapped possesively around message says 'it's mine, not yours'" a well though-out reason? That's not feedback, and more like just being mean. If that post mentioned an actual reason, I sure missed it.

I'm saying this as a person who likes the old icon better.

I think giving reasons (even if I disagree with them/don't feel the same way) is better than just saying "I don't like it", yes.