They target the mid lower end market with the slate, so if you are in the market for basic appliances, and don't mind being locked into GE only, and the later mismatch, then go for it. Most cooks prefer to choose the best in class appliance for the job, rather than do the suite thing. GE only gets good ratings for some of their cooking appliances. You can get better overall performance by choosing a Bosch DW, KA fridge, and Sharp MW, for instance.

The nice thing about slate is that it doesn't really clash with other appliance colors. It was designed to be replaced one appliance at a time.

Another good option is Frigidaire smudge proof.

I love the slate color but GE kept changing the appliance models it was being offered on when I was looking. Testing consumer response maybe. I do not think it is going away. Some higher end manufacturers are producing a dark gray finish so that SS, white & black people have more choice. I can't remember the mfg. of the dark gray refrigerator that I saw Sunday, but it was very nice. hvtech42 is right about the Frigidaire finish, too. It really is smudge proof.

The nice thing about Frigidaire's smudge proof is that it is real stainless steel, just with a coating applied. Some of the other "smudge proof" finishes are fake stainless which looks worse and isn't as durable.