If you put loads of details in an object, they will be lost in motion. If you suggestively bring the idea of their existance, but do not entirely define them as they are, it saves time and is not noticed in the animation. I myself suggest still fully defining the detail in static parts (either no movement or only slight movement of the same block of pixels, without further adjustments). Therefore, those thoughts of yours just might turn out to be correct, but to assure yourself, and others among us, it is indeed suggested to experiment more.