Apparently the creature costumes in The Hobbit looked cheap in 48fps according to behind the scenes docs. No idea how true that is.

I have a feeling we'll be seeing more practical effects in the years to come. I wouldn't go so far as to call it a flash in the pan, but CGI does feel like a bit of a fad to me. It's here for good, no doubt about that, but I think it's days as the go to special effect are numbered. If Episode VII uses practical effects as much as they say they will, I believe it could be the turn of the tide.