I remember when I started playing th eguitar that there seemed to be a general consensus, at least among my friends, that Teles were basic inferior guitars that look naff.
I never paid too much attention to the Teles until I realised that some of the guitar sound I enjoy the most were made with teles. I would indeed say that Teles are probably an aquired taste, I'll be tempted to say it is like something you get drawn to as you grow as a guitarist. At least that's how I experienced it.
And I'll have to withdraw my previous comment on this thread. I have managed to come up with some highly convincing riffing sound with the tele since, so much so that one of my classic rock riff based song may be played with the Tele instead of the Les Paul in the future. Jury still out, and it will be a tough choice :)