In order for an iris to endure it has to be loved. I do love the huge blooms and ruffles, however, I am also enamored by irises like 'Quaker Lady' and 'Tea Rose'. I have 'Birthday Girl' and it is an iris you have to get close to in order to see its structure because it is so ruffled. I love it and it attracts a lot of attention when it blooms in my garden but so do the tailored irises. I hope our hybridizers continue to create a variety of irises that will stand the test of time. As Paul said, the black seedling with the blue beard speaks to us all!
