PS, Another way to put this: are these still icons, as in "indicative of something", or are they merely ornamental, particularly in their individuality? And, if the latter, how good are they as ornaments? Is there even a need or a place for ornaments in an interactive environment that is meant to be tuned for efficiency?

(In my experience, if an interface elements raises questions, even more so, if these are fundamental questions, you do have a problem. If not for other reasons, just for the few more bits of awareness spent on these questions, every time you see them.)