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I would like to just add a note that this thread follows an interesting
thread from 'Recognized Chess Variants', in case it seems a bit
non-sequitur. 

I am also of Fergus' school. I design chess variants not pursuing an
ideal, rather developing an idea. On the other hand, following Roberto's
analogy with art, I have found that my game ideas tend to have
unintentional themes. So, perhaps, in one's mind, the game inventor is
working semi-consciously on a kind of artistic problem whose solution is a
game. I have found that over time my games become simpler, perhaps because
the solutions are more clear.

I would like to reiterate that I do think most contributors are interested
in quality. Perhaps there have been a few sloppy contributions, but not
many. I also think that the good games are quickly recognized by the
discerning eye of this readership, without the need for exhausting study!