I'd like to be able to apply a modifier in the disabled or 'off in viewport' sate, to avoid unnecessary calculation of default values I don't want.
Oftentimes I need to add a modifier to hundreds of objects, but don't want the default settings. the current workflow would be: make your selection, apply the modifier, wait for the modifier to be processed on all objects, then change the modifier properties as needed, wait for recompute. Depending on the modifier and/or number of objects the initial wait period (for results you know at the outset are something you don't even want) can be lengthy. Having the ability to apply the modifier in a disabled or 'off in viewport' state would fix this. Something like, hold down shift or ctrl while applying the modifier might work.
There are alternatives to the specific workflow I mentioned, like apply the modifier to one object, setup the settings, copy the modifier, select multiple objects and paste instanced. But that still doesn't solve the inability to add a disabled modifier (consider complex calculations that you only want to run at render even if it's a single obj) or then you run into issues like the modifier enabled settings or custom naming aren't retained in a 'Paste' only a 'Paste Instanced'.
