If digital manipulation is wrong, we should also abolish magnifying glasses. The author of the document never intended for you to read the text at that size; how dare you manipulate it!

I don't have any problem with digital manipulation (although your comparison to slow shutter speeds, etc. isn't necessarily digital). Filters and hidden flashes, whatever it takes to get the shot. My only problem has been when people claim they capture something that didn't actually happen. I want to learn how people did stuff, and if they admit it's Photoshop or filters, I can move on with my life - I don't care. If you did something cool with speedlites or reflectors or tangible things, I am all ears. That stuff is way more admirable than sitting at a computer all day.

This is an excellent description. I like the way you articulate your thoughts. I agree with you 100%.