To be honest, I think X Japan's image is extremely important. If they hadn't looked so ridiculous and "out there", they might not have gotten so much attention. Yes, music is music, and if I don't like a band's image, I'm not going to bitch about it. But sometimes, that image can attract people, or even drive them away. In that sense, looks are very important.
For me, I only hated some of the things Toshi wore in interviews, his casual look. Actually, I didn't "hate" them, I just laughed and thought, "Dear lord, what is that man wearing...". So, maybe I loved it. (laugh)
As for the Art of Life piano solo...
I don't think the actual playing was art, or anything musically good. I do, though, think it expressed a hell of a lot of emotion and made an interesting show. When I see Yoshiki pounding on that piano, I'm more blown away, and a little scared, rather than thinking, "That sounds like crap!".
I'd say more, but I have to get off the computer.