Can you explain number 1 please?
I'm hoping it's true because I'm bootstrapping an app that's on the ugly side. I've been told the product and workflow are solid but that the amateur design will hurt conversions. It's a B2B product. Personally I think the ugly design will filter out some tire-kickers (which is good because the product is somewhat compute-intensive) but anyone who knows they need the product will not be deterred. Of course I could be biased.
I'd like to add that I don't intend to keep it ugly, but I'm hoping to see some revenue first.