Oh yeah, Marje, I think we more-or-less understand each other, maybe just express ourselves a bit differently.

Of course, many singers start out ~ naively ~ by overdoing the fancy stuff, and only later learn to be more subtle. Those among them who do eventually wise up and get better, however, can certainly become just as competant and tasteful as are those who follow the regimen you (quite understandably and correctly) recommend, to start with a plain and simple approach and only gradually add emphasis here and there.

It often is the obvious stylizations that draw a listener to a particular genre, so it should be understandable that some beginning performers might tend to overdo things at first. Also, of course, not all of them will ever learn to become more refined. But some will probably prove to be capable of cultivating a growing understanding and to eventually become as good as they can be.