I think they're subtly nudging us into defeating enemies without the conventional hack and slash by using your skills instead. (You'll notice there are always metal crates in moblin camps you can use with your magnet, along with things you can time freeze) Another tactic is to drop a bomb parallel to a red explosive barrel and use a leaf weapon to blow it towards it. Boom! Also in a pinch I'll drop a bomb when I'm running away from something and I detonate it as they chase me. Sometimes if they're right on my tail I'll throw the bomb forwards instead, then dash ahead of it and detonate the bomb under the pursuer as soon as I'm clear of the blast zone.
Long story short, a lot of situations can be cleared without whipping out your sword.