Like you said though, those that have them all over their head, neck etc. are maybe looking for attention or an intimidation factor.
Plus, it insures they'll likely never a job other than Taco Bell, or working as a bouncer at the local biker bar.
I can appreciate a cool tribal on somebody's arm or ankle from an artistic standpoint. However, when the ink starts going past what can be covered via a T-shirt, then it starts going beyond 'personal expression and into the weird realm of 'personality expression'. Employers start cutting interviews short, etc. I've worked various corporations for years as a contractor, and *never* seen an employee with extensive body ink because HR *won't* hire them.
Just a personal preference, but I find girls and lower back 'tramp stamps' to be unattractive as hell, but lately it seems the trend is slowing down. A lot of moms out there who got their fancy artwork 10 years ago when they were 30lbs lighter don't look quite as attractive to younger girls who get a glance of the 'ink' when mom is bending over picking up toys in the yard
Irony is that I know the local strip club owner, and he won't hire dancers with anything more than an ankle tatoo.