great to see your thread, cant wait to follow ur build!
My parents have a black bench top (its granite and apparently its a very dark green but I think its black) and its amazing. Had it for a couple of years on a pine kitchen. Makes a statement! Dad builds kitchens for a living so he said it doesnt date as long as the kitchen is simple and elegant! stuff your neighbours they can do what they want! also if its speckled crumbs dont show up too much only when you look for them they do!