Yes, I agree, it is overdone, but in the end, a combination of aesthetic and practical choice. If one looks at the water in Walter's first image, the effect is appealing, and dependent on the light and speed of the water for that look. Not quite silky, but not muddy looking either. But now look at Jori's first image, the effect is, and though called more realistic, muddy looking and unappealing. Whether I choose one of the three looks, or something in between, depends on what I wish to convey, interpretive or natural. And let's not forget that low light levels do not allow for fast shutter speeds unless one uses high ISO's, which many are averse to using, preferring high quality images at low ISO's. Personally I just don't bother shooting if all I get is huge blobs or areas of white because the water is so clustered and fast. In that case, I just enjoy the scenery! And don't forget to experiment, its amazing what you sometimes get.
JMR