I think the use of wood has different purposes for different tanks, and all are valid. For some it is the featured sculptural element in and of itself, in others it's the structure that allows the plants to grow into their own sculpture, others again it's a mix. It can be a place explicitly for fish to enjoy and live amongst, or purely for the aesthetic. Maybe it is to make something naturalistic, or something fantastical. It can be simple or complex, large or small scale. Bought or found. You can show as much or as little as you'd like...it's all interesting, and all evolving as the tank develops. And if course these can all be mixed together too!
For me this is what is good in the hobby, everyone has their own particular point of view and their own ideas about the aesthetics and requirements of a tank, and sets about making it reality. It's a great way to create - to have a theory and try it out, and to work on the tanks to make them exactly for you and what you love. Then along the way end up learning so much and discovering things that are even better than what you set out to do.
It's not about what other people do with their tanks, but about what you do with yours. Slagging off people's work that isn't your taste to your friends is always great fun though no matter the subject 😂 It's also an important part of working out your own style, realising what you don't like as much as what you do like. When
I was an art/design student it wasn't until I realised what I was against that I realised what I was for to counteract it and argue my own case.
In my aquariums I like massive wood that fills the tank and creatures sculptural drama, light and shadow contrast, and means that I can add plants at every height and depth, creating great habitats for my animals to live in. I like it with a good amount of plants growing on it, though still like to see some bare wood too to enhance the form. I also really love to see parts of the wood come out of the water creating this emergent zone, have that in all my tanks.
@Stan510 you should look up more blackwater tanks that have few plants so the (usually wood-based) hardscape is really on show. Often very nice, definitely a good one to try.