@unsung I wouldn't mind color changes for skills and such. I Think the only thing you would have to make sure is that it does have at least an element from the original spell so that it can be easily distinguished from other spells. At least from a pvp balance side. I don't think it matters at all for the pve aspect.
I like someones suggestion on character voices and different ways to fabricate your home or even get armor for a horse or some mount that already exists. I think if you just modify the way a mount looks but not introduce new mounts people would buy the armors for the mounts they want to use. It should be a one mount at a time ordeal. That way you can effect the look of the game without introducing items that should be solely found by playing. I wouldn't mind things like this even if they were flashy or out of the box.