That just happens not to be your taste. Do the kind of quilts that appeal to your sense of style. I happen (surprisingly) to like the block swaps because they force me to use colors and values I never would use for a full quilt. Some are a real stretch.
When I want to do something creative, just for art's sake, I generally doodle up something to applique. When I want something utilitarian, I strip piece. Patchwork satisfies both if the pattern appeals to me.
I love the looks of paper piecing, but it is not a good method for me - too wasteful and I have to re-do blocks three times to get a usable one. I still use the method on rare occassions, but admire from afar. If you find a method of quilting that satisfies you, you will see traditional patchwork in the same light.