Yeah looks are important for sure. Go and try a passion again, I reckon. I’ve never gone custom personally as although I know what I like in an instrument, putting money on it would frighten me - I prefer to buy something I can play first. Sometimes I think what makes a bass feel and play well can be a combination of things you can’t necessarily put your finger on and add to a custom build spec sheet. Although that’s just me - every ACG and Shuker I’ve played has been fantastic.