There probably isn't that many more animated avatars. It probably has a lot to do with biased sampling from looking in this thread. But you cannot deny that something only slightly annoying becomes much more annoying when it is bigger. To say the size increase has nothing to do with it is foolish.

The decision has not yet been made. Other than this one issue I'd have to say I'm pretty fine with the change right now. There are also plenty of people who's opinions matter just as much as mine and who have not weighed in on it publicly. I only keep posting because I'm bored and I'd also like to repeat as Best Admin.

Thanks for your votes.