Very interesting points. I believe its about striking a balance between "Artsy" and Fun. Sometimes the scale tips one way and sometimes the other, a creator just has to be aware of what they want to create and how they want to measure on that scale. I think being upfront about what it is - is important - no one likes to be feel like their being lied to!
And I can't honestly say - but there is a line between (to me personally) An artful colorful aethstical whimsical wonder game and im angsty and if i use the word aethistic enough i can create a social identity.
But I think Itch.io has more artsy games because of its more relaxed nature - which for pure artsy value is great because it prompts learning.
There has been SO many great games and experiences and things I've been inspired from by using this site. The world is not always easily divided into extremes or duality's, and I think conversations like these can spark arguments and fire, but that is often needless as both sides should understand that is not A. or B.
And Artsy games could learn a lot from borrowing from the gameplay driven nature of Gameplay driven games and vice-versa.
It's a curious debate, but it can be easily overcomplciated.
Sorry if this makes literally 0% sense I'm about to go to bed but I wanted to give me 2 centos.
tl;dr: Indie games need to understand how they want to balance their game between Art and Gameplay, and not overthink which balance is "better" because Day needs Night, The Ocean needs Land, and Art needs TOPDOWNROGUELIKEBOMBSHOOTERS.
That is all. Thx.