that statement completely contradicts the fundamental goal and distinct quality of pixel art, which is to create an image of tightly controlled and refined pixels.
You should seriously consider abandoning pixel art if this is your ideology
I think that's a bit harsh. Just because he's looking for something different out of his pixels doesn't mean it's any less valid. The issue of perfect pixel control may be unique to pixel art, but I'd say that's not the only draw to it. For instance, even without controlling a piece at the pixel level, philippe's scenes benefit from carefully selected palettes, something which few other mediums offer.
And why not a blend of styles? Detailing at a small level on the focal point of a piece while leaving other areas a little rough could have an interesting effect. Maybe I'm just rambling, but I guess what I'm getting at is there's nothing gained by harping on someone's misuse of a medium. Without this kind of exploration, many art movements might never have started. This forum exists to provide feedback to pixel artists, but in the end it's up to the artist whether or not to incorporate that feedback, and they may decide whether or not to do so for their own reasons. From what I've seen philippe has not been obtuse in these discussions.
That said, maybe he's not "exploring new art styles" as much as simply making art in a way that he finds fun. I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
I also don't finish stuff because I dont see a need for refining, does not change anything~~just diminishes contrast and destroy the artist's hand on the piece.
All that said, these folks do have a point- if you think that refining something destroys the artistic expression in a piece, why do you use pixels? It's true enough that it may not be as "raw" as painting in other mediums when you begin to focus on every tiny detail, but figuring out how those details work together to make a better piece can be the most rewarding parts of working in this medium. Have you at least tried detailing any of your pieces at that level? Perhaps you'd be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
To keep from completely derailing this thread with this discussion: I agree with the crits that it's a little cramped on the sides. I think it could also be more evident that it's not a sewer; I wouldn't have known if you hadn't qualified it. The rims of the pots more resemble some kind of segmented worm or strange sculpture, which hurts the readability I think. I know you're reluctant to do much refining, but I think the pots need some more love if they're going to read well.
You might also consider giving the water surface and pots a bit stronger highlight. Right now my eye keeps getting drawn back into the brighter greens and blues of the plants and waterfall.