Guess I don't see it like that. To me both are serving the same function of fashion, but on the back is cheekily pretending it's not and is therefore more disingenuous.

I also have a strong bias toward aesthetic over statement. There's no reason my T needs to "say" anything any more than a striped or patterned shirt needs to "say" anything. I can just like how it looks or compliments my outfit.

I'm never going to wear some generic Coca-Cola or beer brand or "I speak sarcasm" shirt. If it's an obvious legible statement (like a local band or charity) then that means it's really important to me and I don't mind looking like a trashy geek.