These are some recent finishing photos I have that really illustrate the differences between the two styles. This is my Argyle Pumpkin with a very, very cute bow topper and sweet little feet too, finishing courtesy of Little Shoppe Around the Corner:
And here is the same design finished by Fancy Stitches (don't let the name fool you, they can handle both fancy and plain finishes!) This one looks very clean with just cording around the edges.Stitch By Stitch handled the finishing for my Halloween Night Collage, love that embellished bow topper and the little black feet:Arts & Crafts Magazine
There definitely is a preference among needleworkers on whether they want bows or no bows on their finishing-- I know at least one or two absolutely no-bow folks, then there are ones like me who will add so many ribbons and embellishments that you can barely see the needlepoint!