Right. So, you think visuals, audio, etc... has nothing to do with conveying mood and thus contributes nothing to ride experience? That's essentially what you're both saying. Being "well themed" is one thing, being "appropriately themed" is another entirely. I'm not saying BGW isn't, I'm just saying they make odd choices.
I mean, if you don't believe me, why is it that the other SeaWorld parks don't make such odd choices? Or for that matter, that such odd choices are really rare in theme parks full stop...? Why do you think so few coasters are pastel coloured? Or pink? Or baby blue? These colours don't represent adult, intense, and all things "roller coaster".
I'm sure I'm wasting my time with you guys, but whatever. If you're naive enough to think this stuff don't matter, you're very mistaken. What a ride conveys with it's name, colours, logo and theme is ridiculously important for attracting guests to the park and to ride it... And what made BGW think that a may pole was a better theme concept than something cool, dynamic, dangerous, deadly or intense for a ride clearly aimed at adults and designed to emulate falling (which is a concept humans understand leads to death, thus a scary thrill) is beyond me. But it's also really interesting, because if it works - I want to know why.