Judging the camera or judging processing?

I think what you are really requesting is "conservative" processing, where the artistic value of the image primarily comes from making the shot, not from editing?

Sounds like the rules used for press photography?

I am pragmatic. If the burst of sunlight through a thick cloud did not appear as I had hoped, I will gladly accentuate it to my taste. I share your hope to spend more time behind my camera and less time behind my computer though.

-h