I think they usually bring negligible improvements in visual fidelity, provided the traditional methods are well implemented.

I also think it’s silly to focus on these while the physics coding hasn’t kept up. Even showcase trailers often have weapons clipping through armour. A slightly more realistic shadow isn’t going to immerse me into your world if the slightest touch sends a huge bear carcass flying through the air or my sword clips through walls.

Zed’s dead, baby. Zed’s dead.

Very likely - but that’s not going to happen. Some people will watch less, some will complain but keep watching the same amount, and the majority will just take it as a fact of life and not change their behaviour.