Yes, they are trying to turn us from occasional to regular consumers, to perpetuate the cycle of building and completing bracelets....an autumn one, a christmas one etc. So a continual purchasing cycle, otherwise people (though not us here) might stop after one bracelet.
Like you, I like more abstract and artsy. That's why I have fallen for and just started collecting Trollbeads, for that less commercial and more artsy feel. I will never be able to go beyond silver though as their gold is 18k and really expensive, even the two tone charms.
So there is a method to pandoras madness you articulate so well much better than I ever could! Troll beads have the best muranoes in the business my older daughter collects them she has the summertime limited edition collection of muranos from 2010. Have you noticed the muranoes are so much lighter and can wear a whole bunch without it feeling heavy on the wrist and the silver beads she has are so detailed and inspiring even the letter beads have such amazing attention to detail. Yes I have one that collects troll beads the younger one collects chamillia on a flexi bangle and me pandora. We have many beads!!