The mind boggles.
They could have restored St. Vibiana's, the old Cathedral, which was a gorgeous, traditional Catholic cathedral. Instead, they spent $cajillions on what is referred to locally as the Yellow Armadillo.
But don't take my word for it -- here's an architect who took on How It Should Have Been Done. A Counterproposal for Our Lady of the Angels. Scroll down to Jan. 22. It's worth a look.
My first hand experience was that the space was not dark. The design of the windows actually bathes the space in soft light. The space has a very spiritual feel - but then again that is my personal observation. Jesus is quite present in the space for me.
I would suggest that those who read what you have said, contrast it with the published information on the Cathedral website. If they take the time to read through the sections on art and architecture, as well as the comments from the art consultant Father Vosko, insight can be gained as to the creative thought process behind their work.
You personally seem to have an aversion to anything other than traditional approaches to art and architecture. I can respect that, but there are many of us who love contemporary work as well.
The architect whose blog you reference looks like a losing contender for this project. He is also a designer with a traditional style. Nothing wrong with that, but also nothing wrong with contemporary church architecture either. BTW - I am a local and have never heard anyone refer to the cathedral as a "yellow armadillo" prior to reading this architect's blog.
RE: St. Vibiana's - The Chapel of St. Vibiana on the mausoleum level features the reliquary of Saint Vibiana, the altar from the old church as well as a beautiful display of St. Vibiana's stained glass windows - all completely restored. 
The Cross and Jesus are quite prominent: 
This is the architectural cross located to the left of the altar. Light pours through the alabaster insets between the cross beams. This is the human scale Cross: 
I love the tapestries: 