i believe the amount of dynamic compression depends on the band and style of music. Some bands just cant play with good dynamics so the only way to make them sound good is to squash them down. Also, in a metal band like Alien Ant Farm its also wanted by the band to get a big, huge, in your face sound, which can be accomplished by tons of compression. Also, i dont think it sounds bad anyway, and i dont think the people who mastered it squashed it because it was the standard, but makes everything in your face and what they think it sound like, and to them, it sounds good. If its a country, or soft rock, or anything like that, compression should really only only be to control the dynamics so they dont not jump out and some part of the song.
Just my thoughts and opinions on the subject.
Darnold