Not every photographer removes existing mountain from photo or adds non-existing animals to picture.
One thing is slightly touch colors, other thing is completely messing with objects in photo, if you don't see difference between these two approaches it's difficult to discuss it.
Most photographers alter colors, lighting, remove signs, wires, lampposts or even people from their images. A lot of them crop, or alter perspective in post. As mentioned here, most documentaries are montages of completely separate footage to tell a story they want to tell. Is any of that cheating as well?
Some photography books aimed at beginners even suggest editing in more dynamic skies into photos.
It's a matter of style if not anything else. Some photographers will accept only what comes out of camera, others will take more liberties with their work. It's not like any fake claims are made here.
One thing is slightly touch colors, other thing is completely messing with objects in photo, if you don't see difference between these two approaches it's difficult to discuss it.