I can say that there is definitely alot of variability in the Sables. I hatched some that look more like normals than others. Also, I have a theory that Sables have more Irridiphores in the skin, that gives them the extra irridescence that you were talking about. That also makes them harder to photograph (which I have heard from other Sable owners as well). Due to the difficulty photographing them, I think that many people are making judgements without seeing them in person. They are much easier to distinguish from a Normal in person.
Just my .02.