I'd have to agree, I think people are shader crazy. A good rule of thumb, if you can produce an game that looks excellent without the use of shaders, then you are ready to start using a shader. I wouldn't hide a poor skin, or model under a shader. Also, why use a normap, on something that isn't super-realistic, or in special need of a normalmap. I can't think of a game that ever used normals unless it was trying to achieve that ultra-realistic feel.

I like the plane model, but you definately need a new skin.