Writing craft has its place, of course it does. But when it starts to dictate, or appear to dictate, stylistic elements which do appeal to different readers' tastes then, in my opinion, it goes too far in attempting to homogenise writing.
Is that what's happened over here, Wendy? Most everything tends to sound alike. Different strokes don't tend to be tolerated very well. Name recognition seems to be the key, as well as being promoted by one of the powers that be. You might be tempted to label me critical, but I just call 'em like I see 'em.
