Nice exploration of an iterated design process. I love the "its ugly but the functions are there" stage; everything I build tops out there. Going on to make the simple and elegant design isn't necessary because I'm satisfied; or alternately because its good enough to be pressed into service and the next project demands attention.

It's good to see more of how that process goes and the kind of result looks to justify the effort in this case. that's a nifty solution.