This isn't a rendering, it's an elevation. Knowing how this process works, the developer has probably already discussed the design with staff over a year or so, and attempted to incorporate reasonable suggestions where possible in hopes that the planning board's first review of the project is as smooth as possible. I'd also note that, while I am not suggesting anyone would be wow'd by this design (which I actually don't think is all that bad at all!), the same is arguably true for virtually every other high-rise in Portland (with a couple of hopefully obvious exceptions). Nevertheless, they add to the urban fabric and are better than the empty lots they usually replace. It is also not uncommon for a project to come out of planning review looking much different than it went in. So I would encourage everyone to view this as a starting point, and reserve judgment for the actual meetings. Lastly, as popular as Portland is, it is not NYC or even Boston, which I realize goes without saying, but it bears emphasis because the economics of a project like this provide fewer opportunities to make bold architectural statements than may be the case in those larger markets. Just my two cents!
None of your assumptions about the intention of my comment align with my perspective – however, like you say, I'm glad not everybody thinks like me, and I appreciate your enthusiasm.