My preference is for simplicity and distinctiveness. The state/provincial flags are an interesting case: states seem to go astray by deciding on still another seal on a medium-dark blue background, while provinces fall into the trap of fussy complexity. Sucesses are: South Carolina, definitely Alaska, California, New Mexico, probably Texas, though it’s uncomfortably close to Chile’s flag, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Nunavut. B.C.’s could have worked better with a sharply simplified design.