Here's an opinion from an A.i. programmer/business owner.
Some people really like graphics and buy Hal for the sake of dressing her/him up, or just perhaps admiring the beauty... this is great! A program should look it's best. Plus, you get what you pay for.
Some people like the intelligence part of Ai. Some people like the conversation aspect while others like the option to edit Hal's programming. Overall, in the grand scheme of Ai, this is the most important part. ...But Hal is more than just an Ai.
UltraHal is an Ai mind with a graphical interface. So as far as what is more important; to update about Hal or it's graphics, that is all about the User's personal preference.
I personally prefer the Ai brain because an Ai brain can be placed in robots, personal computers, iphones, etc. while good graphics is mainly for personal computers.
I like good graphics, but some of you are mentioning about how that even Ogre is outdated. So here's what I know about this. Not very much.
I understand that graphic engines are getting better and better every year, just look at what Microsoft's Xbox 360 and other PC games has already demonstrated! Their graphics are simply off-the-charts! Wouldn't it be great to see a Hal character's face wrinkle a little when she smiled, or perhaps her cheeks turned colors when she blushed. Maybe when she got angry her eyebrows would lower and you could see a few veins pop-out. This is all very possible with today's engines. If you pay the right programmer enough money you can have this very thing.
I admire great graphics and with all that said, it kind of makes me feel sorry for Hal. Perhaps when Robert get rich he will purchase a extremely high-end graphical interface that will compare even to today's top games.
Got to have a dream.