In a perfect world, I would prefer not to have fenders. However, they really make commuting much more doable for me. I don't like to ride on rainy or stormy days, but there are many days when fenders make the difference between riding or not riding. Like when it rains overnight and the roads are still soaking wet. On days like today, when it's lightly sprinkling. On days when there's a fair chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which is basically all summer around here. In addition to keeping the water off your back and seatbag, fenders keep your bike and drive train much cleaner. That said, two of my bikes that I use for commuting do not have fenders, but I only ride them when I am nearly certain that it won't rain.