SJSU huh? That's my neck of the woods.
Pedal assist is awesome. Why is it awesome? Allows those who aren't healthy enough to still bike. When I say healthy I mean injuries, disabilities, pain or discomfort from specific conditions. For those who are more than capable, but don't want to be over exert themselves pedal assist makes sense too. It definitely has it's place in the world.
My personal reason, and I'm sure others can echo it, is that the beauty of a bicycle is the fact that it doesn't run on any fuel other than your own personal capacity. It might be a romantic idea, but the fact you determine how hard the bike works is a wonderful thought.
The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine. ~John Howard
Furthermore, a lot of people use the bicycle not just a means of transportation, entertainment, hobby, but also as a fitness tool. You're killing two birds (if not more) with one stone if fitness is on your agenda. Throw in pedal assist and you're detracting from the fitness aspect of it all.
Cost (of installation and fuel), maintenance, weight, are all factors against pedal assist.