While I'll never qualify as an ECM fan boy, I do enjoy a select few releases on that label.
It's not all on the side of the spectrum you describe. For example check out albums by Dave Holland and those by Jack DeJohnette, if you are curious. There are far more knowledgeable ECM fans who may chime in.
Not trying to "convert" you, though. Each of us likes what we like. Nothing wrong with that.