Great observations, Marie. I share many of your pet peeves about book covers. Having had books I've written published by large and small publishers alike, as well as self-publishing my own titles, I can honestly say I have put a lot more thought into covers than the publishers have done! With all the sophisticated graphics programs and artwork available, you'd think publishers could come up with something better than simple type treatments -- very common -- or covers that are nearly indistinguishable from each other -- also very common. Many book covers are poorly conceived and dull at best. Publishers need to up their game if they want a book to be noticed!