I think it's a bit sad when a thread on photographs becomes a discussion about HDR and whether it's a valid form of photography.
I remember when I switched from film to digital and the purists would argue that ANY interference from Photoshop destroyed the art. It's all a matter of degree.
If a particular individual's preference for highly stylised HDR offends you then that is your opinion and perhaps you are missing the point. Infra red, black and white, soft focus, even polarised are all techniques that alter the final image away from the original scene. HDR is the new kid on the block and could be argued is introducing a new art form distinct from old school photography.
Personally I love using Lightroom and Photoshop to produce an image of which I am proud. It isn't neccessarily just an exercise in faithfully reproducing the subject to the n'th degree.
