Yes, it is true that the net was devised as a data-sharing network, but the potential that led to the net's explosion was one of personal expression and freedom.
I think you guys must just be looking in the wrong places today. Maybe you guys haven't noticed that the expression has moved from web design more toward content. The web design has become a means to an end other than itself (hence watering down for usability). There's this website out there called YouTube, not sure if you've heard of it, that has EXPLODED with content of people's own expression and freedom.
Every single day there's video after video of really interesting motion graphics or animation, of really good short films, of really good illustrations and artwork on Tumblr; and there's even some interesting videogames coming out regularly.
I'm having a gay old time over here, you guys are missing out.