If you're able to turn off effects then I don't think it's necessary to tone down the animation of SMN but I agree that the job definitely gotten flashier. I just finished the second EW trial and the party had two SMNs and I forgot to turn my effects so their attacks made me barely see the boss, especially Titan's. They are starting to become the new DNC now because DNC's attacks has the brightest and flashiest animation imo.