This is not a study, it's just a poll right?

Something the poll method misses by a mile: Context.

Also, anyone who thinks the new Newstand icon is better is not my friend.

And millions others opt for other ugly products: so what? They don't know good design from bad. They like it because it's new and different. Give them an alternative version that's "improved" over the iOS7 version and they'll probably like that too. Just because they like it doesn't mean it couldn't be very easily done a lot better.

It's also possible that maybe, you know, our opinions as designers are colored by the fact that we're, well, designers.

I wouldn't be surprised if the actual consumers of this stuff see it as a welcome, or at the very least, negligible change.

most people actually prefer whatever you tell them is new.

The icons themselves are fine, but if you put them together on the home screen, then that's where it don't work as well. Individually, they are well crafted compared to the old ones. overall visual balance is lacking.

...why is there a study for an incomplete product? Aren't studies done after the fact?