Tough call, Mike.
The SPL-R has such good lines, but the DD has an solid industrial/artistic look to it, the SVS is fairly simple in appearance - not that it's bad, but of the three, on looks alone, I would much rather have one of the Velodyne's. Personally, I like the SPL-R the best, with the DD in a very close second.
As for the exposed grill pins, I don't think they are a big problem as they add visual interest, and serve to break up an otherwise plain surface.