}{eywood: You're making at least four different claims. I'll address each one individually here.
1. HD looks artificial
If this is true, then 35mm film must look artificial to you as well. 35mm film is capable (demonstrably!) of resolving to >4K. And yes, this is true for release prints as well.
Are you perhaps arguing that television technology has something to do with this artificial appearance instead? See #4.
2. Reality doesn't look as sharp as HD
If this is true, then you must need glasses. Please visit an Ophthalmologist ASAP.
I'm not kidding. Your eyes should be able to see much more than 480 or 576 lines. Your blurry vision might pose a significant danger to yourself or the people around you. Living life with SD eyes is uncivil and irresponsible.
3. People aren't modest enough in their choice of television size and technology
Why do you care? I have a 5ft. plasma in my living room (for Blu-rays) and a 2.5ft. CRT in my basement (for LDs), so am I rocking all this bling too or am I an exception to your observation?
4. Modern television sets make everything look like shit
They do? Are you sure you have the EE and DNR (and other BS features) turned off? Are you sure your set has a good black level? Are you sure you're using a good source; e.g., the Lawrence of Arabia blu-ray?
Come back after seeing Lawrence of Arabia on an ISF calibrated Pioneer Kuro set and let me know if you still hold this opinion.