I am not sure cynical or not matters. Some might be, but I think most have to be optimistic to keep doing the job. Those I know are genuinely committed to their work and passionate about finding students who will thrive at their college.
They just have a minimal amount of time to review your application in a holistic manner. If they take the time to click on an optional portfolio and it is not tied into your application in a meaningful way or it seems like it is not genuine they will most likely just move on to another application. Not cynical, just annoyed maybe.
If you have a story to tell with your art you just started and there is a reason why you want to be at that school to continue developing that interest then create that connection for them in your application.