Relatively new here, first bike I bought for myself, a GT Timberline 1.0 2014, however I slowly replaced each component this past 4 months, all that is left from stock are the frame and saddle. Used the old parts to build a new bike for my in-law. Just rode 1000+ km with it yesterday.
Regarding the amount of mudguards, here in the Philippines it rains all year round, and for those sunnny days/nights, you still have road puddles, dog/cat/rat pee and some other stuff on the road that you don't want flying towards your face or water bottle.