Jim, good work. I have a long background working with brands and developing new brands across various industries and countries (as a marketer, not a designer). You have uncovered what I think is smart, lazy, one-dimensional design. Designers have been briefed to design or evolve a logo. And many do so very well - clean, attractive and easy to recognize. For me what is missing is the brand, the brand personality with its values and nuances. Or perhaps the thinking is that the brands are known well enough already? A discussion on this topic would be fascinating.