Let me start off by saying graphics are important. Good graphics can enhance an already great experience, while bad graphics can potentially mar an otherwise well crafted game.
Of course that's why the title says "photo-realistic" and not "good", not that photo-realistic graphics can't be good, by their very definition they should be good. Developers definitely love photo-realism in their graphics, that's pretty well established, very few triple A releases lack them, but it's only one of many established graphical styles.
To clarify when I say "over idealize" I'm thinking about people who hold photo-realistic graphics as the pinnacle of art design and direction in gaming, saying that other styles can be good, just not as good as something that looks like real life.
In my opinion I think a lot of us might be a bit too into that particular style (i don't actually know if we are, that's why I'm asking the question). I love variety in game design and I would hate to see one style held up above the rest. Any graphical style can be used effectively, if the art direction and visual design are done well, so there's no reason to skimp on the variety.
So my question to you is do you think gamers (not developers) over idealize photo-realistic graphics, and what is your personal preference when it comes to graphical styles?
Thanks in advance to any replies.