The store-bought stuff always looks so much nicer than my homemade items
Good point! Perhaps people that take credit for store-bought baked stuff want to receive adulation for their skill based on the promise that such stuff looks better than homemade.
But again, I would not risk to serve a great-looking cake ignoring if it really tastes as good as it looks in the outside.
I remember my childhood days attending my cousin's birthday party. She had a wonderful cake that seemed to have a billboard on top saying "taste me"
Rather than playing with other kids, I spent the whole afternoon watching the cake and dreaming on the moment to get an slice. However what a disappointing experience when I finally got it. The outside was a sort of meringue with a rubber texture and the bread was totally tasteless.
There are small breads and cakes that one can try before serving to guests, but a huge cake it's a risk claim baking ownership.