With films like Total Recall it is "fashion" to add this sort of thing in to the end result. Havomg said that, Total Recall is nothing compared to Super 8, but then Super 8 is trying to recapture the feel and look of the 80's with films like ET and Close Encounters. Shot properly, there should be no lens flare at all. But it is becoming a fashion among those who are trying to recreate the feel of the 80's.
Overall, it doesn't bother me as there are issus that annoy me far more. I can honestly say it only stands out to me in Super 8 because it is excessive.