Is it better to enjoy atomic chess or to learn killer openings?

Referring to atomic chess on chess.com compared to lichess, watcha wrote, "I'm surprised how much players here are theoretically unaware. There was tons of theory developed for atomic, and I don't see these known lines played, not even from strong players."

To which 123a567 replied, "I think atomic players here prefer to have fun by thinking of moves by themselves instead of memorizing theories. If you just want to become a stronger player, this site really doesn't suit you." 

The above comment made me ponder what I want from playing atomic chess. To become a strong player one needs to memorise a whole series of opening traps, how to set them, and how to refute them. It reminds me of how I beat beginners in three moves, which is not satisfying. By learning complex opening traps one can beat players of my level (around 1950) using memorised sequences, much like beating 1500-rated players.

I wonder whether I want to do this. The fun part of chess is being engaged in a battle of wits where neither side can predict the outcome. In atomic chess there are dramatic turn-arounds and deadly threats inherent in innocent-looking positions. By using long memorised lines one avoids engaging in a real battle between two minds. If the other person does not know the refutation then one wins the game, but one does so without being creative, without even thinking. Instead, it is the losing player who is called upon to be creative to find the correct defence in real time.

On the other hand, learning to play well in the sense of being able to make plans and generate tactics relies on learning patterns. So a degree of memorisation is necessary. I guess there is a line in the sand between memorising sequences of moves and learning patterns. For example, it is enough to know that a queen can mate by herself provided the kings are not next to each other. One does not need to memorise the mating sequence.

I think I want to take a middle path, to learn two or three opening traps but not to rely on them too much, except for defence.