In fact my current Patek is the same colour combination 5205G that is in Ton's lovely photo
I tend to agree with your thoughts, but the 5146 is of course a classic looking Patek compared to the more, but still very beautiful & trendy looking 5205.
I never had any problems reading the dial of the 5146, and in fact with the cream coloured dial 5146J & G that I had, I would say that it was probably more easier to see the hands for the time then the 5205 in certain lights.
Enjoy your decision making, whichever that you go for, you can't actually lose.
Regards
Tony