Going back to the original question posed -- I have observed that there is a difference between the best-loved, oft repeated patterns for quilters vs. the general public. Quilters, who are making the block and who are dealing with the technical construction aspects, are either going to be drawn by the --fast, easy, fool proof OR the technical challenge taking my mad skilz to the limit type of blocks.
General public just wants it to "look right". So for them, at least the general public that talks to me -- it's more about balance and being visually pleasing.
My personal favorites are pretty classic. I love a good hst, 9 patch, log cabin, snowball, square in square. I have never liked making or looking at flying geese or saw tooth stars. They just irritate me.