Cheers for the shout out, Steve.
I know what you mean about the slightly dark look at the moment, I think it's in with a lot of people. They are very fine images, so I can't take that away from those who shoot them at all, and if you are shooting more as a high end amateur / semi professional then you can get away with shooting more for yourself with a slightly arty look than the nice bright well lit type.
I personally like the nice bright well lit type, that's why I shoot them myself - I associate dark with being at work! I've tried processing shots with a darker look to them, but feel I keep copying others so best to stick to your own style.
As for my own favourites? I've always loved David Noton's work (his is the first pro's work I looked at and probably not a coincidence I go for nice brightly lit work like a lot of his is) and of the newer pro generation I think Adam Burton, Mark Bauer and Andy Farrer are all excellent.
Of the very talented part time crowd, I would definitely agree about Lee Acaster (his work is always outstanding) and Mark Littlejohn, to mention just two.