You overestimate the skill required to create most of these sites. They're usually following some very simple rules. Most are inspired by the style of 37 Signals. Nice fonts, gradients, and pastel colors.
Most of what makes these sites seem so nice is that they're familiar and "modern web 2.0". Scribd is very Diggish for example.
Inkscape is like magic for creating nice logos, if you keep it simple. Truly anyone can do it. Use a color scheme tool like http://kuler.adobe.com/. Don't invent a totally unique design, imitate someone at first.
Anyone who can code well can easily reproduce nice simple site designs. Overcoming the "I can't design" mental block is the hardest part. Becoming a real design master takes a lot more effort obviously.
Google has always been good at UI's, but they don't have truly talented illustrators on staff (it's not what they need). Take a look at the "Pick a name" button thing on gmail as a reference.
I agree that these sites don't necessarily require an MFA to design, but they do require really careful thinking about exactly how the user will use site - not just which rounded font and pastel color scheme to use. Designs may be simple, but simple does not imply that they aren't well thought out. Fortunately, this is precisely what a good engineer should be thinking about the whole time.
[As an aside those faded blue gradients make me want to throw a rotten tomato at Jason Fried.]
Skype is another example of a very striking and original site. But sometimes, like you suggest, good graphic design is simply about paying attention to details like lining things up.
Most of what makes these sites seem so nice is that they're familiar and "modern web 2.0". Scribd is very Diggish for example.
Inkscape is like magic for creating nice logos, if you keep it simple. Truly anyone can do it. Use a color scheme tool like http://kuler.adobe.com/. Don't invent a totally unique design, imitate someone at first.
Anyone who can code well can easily reproduce nice simple site designs. Overcoming the "I can't design" mental block is the hardest part. Becoming a real design master takes a lot more effort obviously.