It definitely looks worse and unnatural, because in real life we don't see rocks or trees gradually morph into the ground on a gradient (unless we're on drugs).

It definitely looks worse and unnatural, because in real life we don't see rocks or trees gradually morph into the ground on a gradient (unless we're on drugs). Where it looks better is in motion, when the harsh rigid angles would otherwise show off their jagged pixels. This blend technique is used where your eyes are hopefully not focused. If only seen in your periphory, the effect is quite nicely done.