For an interesting parallel, this is analogous to my experience with emergent gameplay when I was in the game industry. Everyone really likes the idea of emergent gameplay and the open-ended-ness and flexibility that gives you. But you sacrifice a lot of control when you go that way. This can leave game designers and producers feeling like their hands are tied when the game doesn't play the way they want.
Less flexible, more scripted behavior is often the smarter choice when you want to be able to ensure a certain gameplay experience.
Less flexible, more scripted behavior is often the smarter choice when you want to be able to ensure a certain gameplay experience.