I think you have to first separate utility from esthetics.

The NISs were built on small, light frames, so they have the ability to be nice light field guns. The design is straight forward and reliable, and was obviously designed for ease of assembly and repair. Personally, I really like those little cocking indicators. Ithaca cut some of the best chokes out there. Yeah, they're undervalued.

As far as esthetics go, the NID is just a boxy lock gun compared to the other big three. There's no special attention to line. Until you get to the ejector grades, the exterior finish is not bad, but nothing special. I think if you closely look at a good example of a Parker, inside and out, and the others too, the general pecking order becomes clear.