I think a lot of modern web design suffers from the same AB testing failures that got Pepsi into trouble back in the coke/pepsi days of the 80's. I may be misremembering the details, but the gist was that Pepsi was a bit sweeter, and so in the tiny amounts that people tasted during taste tests, they usually prefer the sweeter drink. In normal use, however, that flavor of Pepsi was too sweet, and sales tanked.

I see the same problem with user tests. People almost always pick the simpler of two options, because at the time they have no reason to pick anything else, and that looks easier. But then you start trying to get actual work done, and the Fisher Priced interface is too simplified.

And I know it's not just you or me that prefer information dense websites. Look at how well-known McMaster's site is, among people who actually need to use it to get work done.

Even in general public terms, things have gone too far. I set up a lot of iPads for elderly folks for use in assistive communication, and I have to go out of my way to use ones that have buttons. The modern ones without a home button are just too complicated for a whole swath of our population, and I am not exaggerating.