I don't really remeber mentioning content vs design. But now that you mention it, I'd say that of course you're right; surfers are after content that they think is hot, that's true inarguably, and I wouldn't ever say otherwise.
Good design, in my opinion, is something you add to great content. Design can reassure the surfer that the site is more legit and not a scam. I think somewhere in the surfer's head a really well designed gallery means that if they whip out the credit card they really will get access to something cool vice having their credit card number taped up in a subway in Malaysia.