Is an aircraft's paint job that important?
Presumably it is to most airlines, otherwise they'd just paint every aircraft in white with no other markings. For me, the image should sum up what the airline is about.
e.g.
Air France - generally filthy a/c, so doesn't give a warm feeling about how they maintain their a/c.
Lufthansa - generally pristine a/c, so I'm thinking the opposite to Air France
I like the BA colour scheme (amongst many others) because when I get on obe of their a/c in a foreign airport I find it welcoming and being home already. When you travel a lot for work it makes a difference.