A very unique perspective for your article, I agree with your point of view.I also hope that you are at work is to be able to relax, this is what I recommend to your game, you can click on http://www.rsgold2buy.com/
One of my favourite games (Recettear) uses 4 directions of animation for 8 direction of movement and that was an extremely successful commercial release. On top of that the characters were 2D and low res in a 3D world of a much higher resolution. Its all about the execution. If you have a good reason for doing it (like actually finishing the game) then i say go for it.
I wouldn't say it was lazy if you are working alone and dont have all the time in the world to spend on it.
Oh and can someone delete this "goldwow" idiot please