I as an inexpirenced 3d artist and I would say expierienced artist. Would say this....
To me it depends on what you are going for  I think images such as fantasy  can have alot added to the image using post work. I am working on one now infact that if I can pullit off will utilize quite abit. It all depends on what you are going for. I would most definatly like to become one of the greats on here that can push poser to its limits but that will all come with time wich I dont have a ton of right now. To me art is what ever you decide it is but that is how I grew up in the art world not everyone is goona like it. some will be more then others. Dont worry about what other people think. If you are fullfilled doing what you do then do it. Now if you are trying to go professional and make money doing it. Then you will have to do what the people you are working for wants. That is why I never want to go professional in art because it woudl take the fun out of it for me.