Depending on just how much is too much "muss and fuss",you really have options which have pay back on sale. Regardless what you do,through cleaning isn't an option nor should it be skimped on. Sometimes that's all that's needed but if they are to have new clear put on them,I do a once over on cleaned surfaces with pre-paint cleaner or liquid sander. I've heard people claim they improved natural wood finish with gell stain without stripping but I have to see it before I believe it. Use what you are comfortable with to touch up worn stain but I always choose oil base stain and oil base clear varnish when old finish is unknown. If old finish is known to be lacquer,by all means use lacquer. For wood with nice grain and/or interesting character,I use semi-gloss when counters shine,less gloss with stone counters. Less interesting wood usually get's high gloss. Not sure that helps but it's difficult not knowing exactly what you are trying to overcome.

With my mom’s wood cabinets circa 1952, we cleaned them thoroughly, found new handles with a more update look, and used a clean finish, likely Minwax or similar from a big box store to even out worn finish. I think that they looked as good as they could have when we were done, and I think the budget didn’t exceed $50 or thereabouts.