EQ is just another tool in the shelf. It’s always optional.
I’m a big EQ proponent myself but I have been a “stock” listener ever since I bought the EQ VST plugins I always wanted in the last Black Friday deal – while thinking I “needed” them. But that’s another discussion. 
To keep it short, my current EQ – whenever I engage it – has only two knobs and it’s always adding more bass or more treble. Not to mention it’s on a song (or album) basis.
But since I’m on a “training ears” endurance, I should probably stay away from those kind of steroids in the time being. 