Just look at graphics, specifically say beach waves. We now have super advanced looking deep water, but I've never seen any game even try to replicate beach waves, apart from some basic texture effects where the water goes in and out.
On the other side, I don't think I've ever heard a single comment about it from reviewers or players.
Of course as soon as someone does do it, then you're going to be hearing about everyone else lacking it in every review.
Yes, the code might look horrible in many cases, but at the end of the day most business don't care 1 second about software that isn't what they are good at, they are good at doing other stuff.
So if the software keeps their business running, while improving whatever business case they wanted changed, that is what matters above all.
Working software beats beautiful code that failed to meet deadlines.