Try listening to classical albums in the car. Variations in intensity & volume with these masterpieces, go hand in hand. I noticed about one year ago, that I was reaching for the volume control far too often. Seems I've become accustomed to what the industry is throwing at us in mainstream music.
So, I'll agree with you on this one. Too much mastering is taking away from the art.
Here's another thing on the same theme. How many loud, irritating tracks actually start out with one, very clean, acoustic guitar piece before they suddenly decide to blast our ears off?
If the hook works then why not stick with it for the whole three minutes?