Jaz, absolutely no ire intended here, but I think you should do some more research into texturing and associated techniques! It seems like the reason that you have ignored that aspect of your model is based as much in misunderstanding as personal choice. If you want to shoot for a high quality product, you'll need good texture art. :) That said, if your general goal is subtlety, I can certainly appreciate that!
Not really the case, unfortunately. In a studio-quality rendering engine, maybe, but in a real-time desktop PC flight simulation... not a chance. Creating content for flight simulation is all about subtle deception. Giving the user the impression of detail.