Terry's got a point about dados being strong, but calling it a must for a big piece misses the mark. Pocket screws with glue can be plenty strong for a bookcase frame if you use enough of them in the right spots. The real issue is often skipping the glue to save even more time, which leaves a joint that can rack. For a client rush job, you probably made the practical call, but adding some glue now might fix that weak feeling.

Totally get what you mean about the paint looking too perfect. It's like the whole craft changed when the materials got better. I saw a '78 Trans Am that looked like it was dipped in liquid color, no orange peel at all. Makes you wonder if the real skill now is just knowing which can of magic juice to buy.

Yeah, exactly what @elliots49 said. Look at those fancy restaurant meals that take all day to cook. That slow process is what makes them so good. Or building a table by hand instead of just nailing some boards together fast. The slow way makes it last for years. Rushing just leads to mistakes you have to fix later anyway.