I wanted to comment on this term: I find it ncrediblyi usefull as a description for both the atomsphere I'm most intereasted in and typically use as an non-roleplaying author(Outside of fantasy), its short description in TSOY sums up a concept I've put some strain into nailing down.
Could you describe some more of your expiereince with the term, its sources of inspiration, etc etc?
Go here:
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.gargoyle13.com
Click around, and you'll see what I mean. Think Tim Burton, The Wizard of Oz, young adult fantasy that doesn't suck, a dash of anime, and The Dark Crystal. I really can't explain it better besides this:
It's fantasy that is dark in color, but hopeful in heart.