I see no reason to hate blue pins and red axles. I find their bright colors to be very useful when trying to find them in large piles of pieces. For example, normally it is hard to tell the difference between a short pin ( 0|0 ), a 2 axle ( +|+ ) and a pin/axle ( +|0 ) just at a glance, and I often will pick up, say, an axle when looking for a pin, or vice-versa. But now, with the blue pin/axles and red 2 axles, it is much easier. Also, the "high-friction" pin/axles and long pins are blue (black for short pins), as opposed to the tan (grey) "low-friction" ones. And if you, the reader, find it unnecessary, keep in mind that Bionicle sets are aimed for young children, who may find it very helpful.