Right, I see your point and it makes sense. But at the same time consider this: would you still like all the smart stuff if it was completely automated and you had no access to it? It just works, and you can't make it work a little differently if needed? And I offer an example of something that I can't imagine how it could be automated... I have a smart fan, power and orientation is dependent on where I am and how hot I feel. Easy enough to change that with the app as needed. Remember this is something I can control but would not want to give control to other people in the house.
On top of that what about sensors? Without the app you can't see them so for example no quick glance to check the temperature in multiple rooms and outside.
Also while the app is a bit clunky, it sure beats using that one rather than all of the Philips Hue, LIFX, Yeelight, Xiaomi, Tapo, Kasa, Daikin...
So you would be fine being a guest in someone's else house, no control over anything and just let whatever automations are in place do their thing? But all of this in your own home? Temperature is an important value to know, tells if it's better to turn off the AC/heat and just open the windows at that time, or when it's the better moment to open them and air the place. Same with air quality, if it gets worse with the windows open it's better to close them, or if it's not great inside it might be a good idea to open.
My fan has an app or a pair of buttons on top, no remote.