I agree that it has always been a part of the game. I agree that it's absurd that anyone who truly values data and advanced metrics would be bothered by shifting. Teams are trying to win by having the other team score fewer runs, right? So if one guy can't hit the ball to the left of 2b, why put anyone over there?
Shifting doesn't bother me. Shifting doesn't impact my enjoyment. I don't think it has hurt the game in the least. The only people that are bothered by it are curmudgeons IMO.
Too much is made about the beauty of the game, Babe Ruth, dirt lots and Cracker Jack by losers like George Will. These people should be blasted into the sun because they are making the game worse not better IMO.