This really helped reconcile me to no green on the flag:
The state name means water, we're known for our lakes and rivers, the Mississippi starts here: Minnesota is distinct because of its water, not its vegetation.
I'm glad they went with a less is more approach. I agree that will help it age better, and I think in a few years it will be more widely and enthusiastically appreciated, especially once flags start popping up and people see them in the real world. Just look at the Twins; there was some criticism at first that the rebrand was overly simplistic, but a year later most people agree they look great.