There is no reason why a middle ground cannot be achieved- though of course how to go about achieving it is a different matter altogether.
Some high streets/ areas can and do have an array of local shops that are soul destroying. Tulse Hill is not the worst I’ve seen but still pretty shit, and I so wish we got a few interesting businesses in even if some might consider them posh or hipsterish (which in many cases when such accusations are made, they’re not).
And there certainly is room for both ends of the spectrum. Clapham Junction is a good example IMO. You have fast food fried chicken joints, cheesy venues like The Grand and bookies co-existing with the likes of Waitrose and ‘trendy’ bars and eateries. There is no reason why it cannot be the same in CHL, LJH and elsewhere around here.