I'd say your reaction might fit under option 3, "acceptable evolution". (You
are saying it's "growing on you").
No question about it: I still prefer my iPad 3 with ugly iOS 7 on it over the new Nexus 7 with the much nicer Android 4.3 on it.

For one thing, Apple's screen seems livelier, despite a lower nominal ppi. I suppose the same will be true once the iPad mini Retina is released (doubtful if this year or not).