I respect creativity. The result may be ugly in my eyes, but if it works well, I can see past ugly. Form follows function. Aesthetics don't necessarily follow either form OR function.
IMNHO, Mossberg didn't show a bit of creativity. They simply did a "me too" by marrying the current tactical fad with a traditional lever design. It's the incongruity that makes me snicker. Imagine John Wayne with body armor and his SAA in a tactical thigh holster galloping after some outlaw.
Or, maybe Mossberg has some marketing geniuses. They planned it as a joke. Even if the gun doesn't sell, it will get people talking and checking out Marlin's other products. Look at Hornady's zombie-max ammo.