I won't have any problems ignoring the dragon shouts from a role-playing perspective. I believe in "don't like it, don't use it."

My only concern is if the game assumes you'll be using/spamming shouts and level 30-ish critters will essentially be bullet sponges designed for you to weaken them with your expected powers.

On the flip side, if enemies are designed to be beaten without shouts, will shouts be turned into 10 (disregarding utility shouts) or so "I win" buttons?

It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. Hopefully the effects can easily be converted into more "role-play friendly" magic effects.