I wonder. If Plymouth had realized at the time that they had designed a winner of a front end design and decided to run it through '74, would it still be considered 'the best'? Or would it be considered common and by default, make the '70 grille the best? Rarity does strange things to public opinion.
I'm not sure what the designers where thinking, but the 71 Cuda design factored with high insurance rates conspired to make the 71 Cuda less desireable at the time. I recall reading several reviews where the automotive press panned the design of the car as garrish over the '70 design and buyer response was somewhat lackluster. Now beause of rarity, the ugly duckling has gained a new lease on life and guys will beat each other up for the chance to own the low production run '71s.
IMO, the cheesegrater grill, gilled fenders, and rocker scales all are comic in appearance. They look like a early 70's attept at building a go-bot car with bolt ons.