I have a custom ordered H535, turning 9 years old this year. When I initially bought it, I didn't want the single-ply plastic pickguard that was offered. Years before it would have been a matching flame bound maple pickguard, but cost-cutting measures reduced it to a cheap piece of plastic. A few years ago, I had a newer designed, multiply pickguard installed. Looks better to me.
Fast-forward to 2023, I purchased a new H150 factory direct with a standard pickguard. For some reason, I like that guitar without a pickguard. Again looks better.
I have a HOC LE H137 with soapbar P90's. To my eyes, it looks "right" with a NOS Gibson pickguard on it vs without it.
Can't explain it, but some guitars seem right with a pickguard and others don't.
Anyone else do this?