I think the taste is better if you use a really good tomato sauce. I also like the eggplant peeled and sliced a bit on the thin side.
Debbie, I understand your point for the sauce; however this is the way it is done in Italy and if you never had it, I can assure you that the result is surprisingly different and much tastier than the common eggplant Parmesan served in the U.S. You should try. It is amazing to me for example how what they call here "marinara sauce" is used so much here, even on pizza, and often it simply overpowers all the rest of the ingredients. Good quality ingredients, balance and good preparation will give you always the best results.
In regard to the eggplant skin, I understand that pint too, but it really boils down to quality of eggplants. Larger sizes tend to have a thicker skin and are also too spongy, even with less taste sometimes. Small-medium size, in-season eggplants are always the best.