For instance, there is a OVA called "Kite" which is one of my favorite anime. I first watched the non-explicit version (I did not know at the time it was a hentai) and it drew me in with the gritty tone, the rough and elegant style and animation, as well as a decent soundtrack. It sorta' reminded me of a lovechild between Gunslinger Girl and the TTRPG Shadowrun. It was only a few months later when I discovered it was a hentai, or at least a very very explicit anime. The hardcore sex scenes in Kite were definitely aimed to be erotic and as pornography rather a push to show just how visceral the gritty nature of the movie was. Knowing that, it left a bad place in my mind and I denounced it just on that premise of being a porno with really good storyline and character development.
And a few years later I realized that if it was just a tad bit longer it would have easily been rated a 8/10 for me. I also realized that while the sex scenes were, indeed, meant to be pornographic and not artistic - Kite was better with them in it. The non-explicit version never jarred me in the world as the horrific and sick nature of the film as the uncensored version was. The fact was despite the sex scenes intended to be pornography, it still felt as if it was not only fitting, but literally artistic and well placed. It also made the progression of the story that much more fruitful (I am trying to not use words like 'enjoyable' or 'satisfying' because I know at least ONE of you fuckers will make an impish comment).
Where am I going with this? Well, the sad fact is hentai is anime, but not all anime are hentai. Sometimes you find an odd breed (aw, fuck it) of the two and it works out (better than expected, better than it should be?)
I find when done right, it is a lot more tasteful than a lot of fanservice we get in AAA hollywood movies (calling you right the fuck out "Suicide Squad".)