totaly agree!
i remember a few singers a few years ago used chorus and not a subtle one either...
even in metal you have to choose the right key for your voice, i struggled for a few years thinking it was my playing ability or my programming, and i cant say how important that point is!
i also think its easier to pick up where your going wrong, to much effect will mask those areas, but to improve you need to hear the errors!
me personally - il use a good compressor and a nice reverb. that's about it!
I do think to many people auto tune, and to me, id rather hear someone who i know can pull it off live as well! its something for me as a musician to aspire to!