In my view fine motor control is actually very important, as it seems to have a big effect on neuroplasticity and the prevention of Parkinson's.

I also want my kids to learn how to appreciate things that have no tangible purpose other than be beautiful.

I think it's a shame though that you were forced to use cursive when you hated it. Although where I grew up writing cursive used to be the norm. But it's not anymore apparently, as my son is learning non-cursive first.