There is also the 'should a designer have a brand' argument here. There are those who think that a designer can make a name for themselves but should be nothing more than a puppet master and the work should speak for its self. Many of the big designers and some agencies stick to this general formula. Hell
Spin, with its cool menu is putting enough in make a statement but not to move over the work.
On the flip side, there are agencies like mother and others where they make a big thing about creating a brand...
In designing my site, I wanted to make enough to an impact, but also keep it clean and about the work. Effectively, I've made it simple with little flourishes to make it mine..