Why Giant Birds Would Be Scarier Than Feathered Dinosaurs

Last week on the io9 show, I expressed my strong belief that dinosaurs just don't look as terrifying or impressive with feathers. And some of you made good points in your replies — but come on. Some of these images of dinosaurs with feathers make the dinos look like giant woodpeckers — which are among the few animals that don't get scarier when they get giant.

In the above rant, I make it clear once and for all: actual giant birds would be scary, but feathery dinosaurs are just not. If you disagree, come and get me in the comments.