I don't own any exotics but I do like the look of croc and ostrich (I like polka dots too - I agree that might be why...). I'm afraid of snakes and can't seem to separate that from the actual python skin (kind of like if someone came up with a mouse or rat bag)!
And yes, I would certainly be scared of crocodiles in person (but maybe not ostriches) but I just haven't ever come across them in my day to day life other than at the zoo so it just isn't as real a fear to me!