I'm more passionate about modern art, which I think is more in line with the "refined aesthetic choices" you're talking about. I think Warhol was better known for his ideas, he just happened to know how to draw/paint to execute what was on his mind. I can't read your mind but your "random scribbles" comment caught my attention. Not speaking to you specifically, but I think with the right teacher anyone can see there's more to so-called random scribbles aka abstract art. Even the nutty Jackson Pollock who made his own rules, I got to respect he trained under Thomas Hart Benton, etc.
I think most American universities teaching drawing/painting (fine art) today, the professors are students of students of students of Hans Hoffman (directly or indirectly) who was himself a student of Picasso, Matisse and other undeniably talented giants. Personally, not a huge fan of Hoffman's work but if I had a time machine, I would want to be there in one of his classes. I don't think the secrets are closely guarded, it's more like esoteric nuance. If you read old graphic design books, you'll find some of the concepts underpinning great abstract paintings. If I find time, maybe I'll post YouTube videos explaining how to see abstract art through the eyes of an artist.
Warhol might have agreed with you. I believe he started out drawing ads. He was definitely thinking about commercial popularity throughout his career. I think "popularity" was the subject of much of his art. Maybe because he felt so unpopular early in his life/career. I think most artists would tell you, the best art is not concerned with commercial popularity, but that's debatable I suppose. I believe the truly great "random scribbles" reach toward truths and concepts that can't be expressed well with words, or the words may not yet exist.