On reflection, I believe my original post was wrong. There are countless thousands of musicians whose preference is to watch their fingers from time to time while playing, from beginner to expert. And I agree, there's nothing at all wrong with that, whatever my slight personal preference might be; it's the music that counts above all else.

Engaging with an audience does have an importance, so if a professional performer spent almost an entire show watching their fingers it would be rather odd; but that's another point entirely.

Apologies to anyone I might have offended with my original post!