I'm not a fan of rubber straps. Ive tried a couple and they just don't suit me or any kind of "image" that I have. I'm not dashing or sporting or about to jump into the ocean any time soon. I'm a city dweller and definitely prefer bracelets or leather straps. If I swim I wear a G shock.
I'd not really considered the image element of watches on rubber before reading the article but now I'm half wondering if that's a contributory factor into me not really wearing them. I don't like the sports look but technically I wear sports watches. So it makes no sense but I'm okay with that.
I also quite like the Ventura they pictured. Don't mind the rubber on that but then again it comes on it so I'd have no reason to see the strap as a separate 'odd man out' entity.