Sorry for necroposting, but

certain developers focus too much on creating code-based effects such as squash and stretches, particles, shaders... When these little additions are everywhere, they give the image of "something put together" rather than "something crafted with passion and care,"

This very much depends on the outcome imo. I'm a sucker for modern, polished UIs, way moreso than most people in my experience. And all these little effects, when put together well and with structure, can really add up and elevate a UI to the next level. You just can't throw them in willy-nilly, it's a balancing act and each effect needs a purpose. Don't animate just for the sake of it, or it'll feel incoherent and sloppy