Raleigh may have given up using SA hub gears on their sports bikes in the late 50s, but the sold million on their roadsters, commuters and other "non lightweight" products, right up to the late 80s.
As for British people being "bland" in appearance, I am reliably informed by my wife that she used to find me handsome to look at, but recently I have shifted to "interesting". Neither of which is bland.
Regards
Martin Coopland, Scotland, http://www.BatesBicycles.com