Question on F3: Failure of Success Criterion 1.1.1 due to using CSS to include images that convey important information

Step 3 of the check for F3 states "If an image does convey important information, the information is provided to assistive technologies and is also available when the CSS image is not displayed."

I'm looking to gather opinions one whether it is acceptable to pass this check by completely turning off CSS.

The common scenario is that pages use background images to convey meaning and then provide off-screen position CSS text for screen readers or for viewing when CSS is turned off.  This forces users with low vision who use high contrast or ignore colors to completely turn off CSS for the page.  Requiring the user to turn of CSS to simply have access to a meaningful image that the developer should not have made a presentation layer image is an issue for me.  Knowledgeable people in our field have stated on their blogs that they don't consider this an accessibility issue and only consider it a usability issue.

Thus, my question then comes down to this failure.   The check does not say to turn off CSS but only that the information be available with CSS images are not displayed - thus, I feel it is reasonable to require a visual alternative when CSS images are disabled but CSS is still on.  Is there any consensus on this?   Thank you for considering this item.

Jonathan