I don't think it's just an ego issue. People don't realize the value of spin. If they want to climb, they figure they should be working hard at it. Most casual riders just don't understand the mechanics involved.

If I'm riding the shifty, I like to save my granny for when I'm completely played out or find a really steep climb. I figure if I'm too eager to shift down, I'll uncondition myself and have a hard time when I'm 50 miles out.

Of course most of the time I'm riding a 77" fixed gear, so it's mash mash and hope it ends well.