I heard this interesting tidbit a while ago that fits your sentiments perfectly. Can't remember who to credit it to, unfortunately.

Software is really about codifying process -- pun completely intended. What happens is some slick new software comes along that implements that happy 80% path on the process, and does it quickly and efficiently. Then business complains about the 20% falling into the gap, and starts adding features to reduce that, thereby slowing down the processing. This keeps going, until someone has an idea and implements slick new software that implements that happy 80% path on the process, and does it quickly and efficiently...