For an engine, what do you value more asthetics or realistic properties/stats?

More on the performance side. As long as the engine does its intended mission, it's fine for me.

Ah sorry, I misread your question was what do you prefer on your engines' aesthetics.

plumbing and power cycle. It can by symbolized or simplified but at least should be able to work.

I'm more on the balance side. If it get's me where I want to go, and looks good doing it too, then I'm happy.

@PorkyClown3 don't come easy

@pedro16797 Word.

Stats

Try to make a balance, but make more asthetics.

@KraZIvan its nice to feedback from you guys👍 My early engines where almost purely asthetics, but now that ive learned how to use xml and am get better with it, i have shifted my focus on getting exact stats on engine and am remaking old engines
Which dosnt mean i dont try to get good looking engines :)

Aesthetics.
Everybody loves cool looking unrealistic games
Nobody wants the most realistic cube ever

For me stats all the way, specifically how accurate thrust and Isp in both SL and vacuum are in the replica as to the real engine. Aesthetics second, although I like an accurate visual representation as well, sometimes certain details cannot be accurately reproduced (i.e. thermal protectve foil on Rocketdyne F1) and due to view angles and the jet of flames going out of them most details on engine are hidden or lost in the noise anyway.

However, I do appreciate aesthetics over stats on certain occasions, such as the engine replicas you have made, since they are on a test stand it is nice to play with them and look at the detail of the plumbing and other parts on the engine as well as on the stand.

Stats are cool but, aesthetics are also important because public opinion of a rocket often depends on how a rocket looks

@Kell ive been trying to lean towards stats. For the rl10A I sacrificed looks for the exact isp and thrust but i just want feedback :)

Stats