I can do without fenders for the most part. I'm getting wet if it's raining regardless and I don't think they make much difference - not enough to justify the PITA factor anyway. I like the protection of the DT, but that can be addressed by using unpainted ti for gravel/winter/rain. It's nice to have some fendered bikes if you have multiple, but if I only had one or two, I wouldn't bother. They can be nice for aesthetics.