I can see where you are coming from on this one...however, I still have to disagree.
"my gripe is with the people who look at Photoshop as part of the photographic routine"

that statement is like saying that you have a gripe with people who view the darkroom as part of the photographic routine. Photoshop is replacing all of the toxic chemicals and time consuming processing involved with the traditional darkroom. Granted it can, and frequently is overused, but In todays world of the digital imaging systems, it is a necessity(sp?).

Look at it this way....Take Ansel Adams, IMO one of the BEST photographic technicians ever. If you were to make a "straight" print of one of his zone exposed negatives it would look absolutely horrible...But with proper darkroom manipulation ie. dodging,burning,etc. he created some of the most amazing technically perfect images.....again just my opinion...right slynky ; )

I'm sure the same can be said about other photogs as well....
Take Minor White...where would he be without photomanipulation..or Jerry Ulesman?

All I can say is don't deny yourself the tools at your disposal, but learning how to use them to the best possible extent is vital.

Garbage in.....Garbage out.

-time for more beer