It has never been a better time to be a cyclist. Though I fondly remember the 10 speed era, I am not nostalgic for it. While 11 speed cassettes seem like overkill, the advance from 5 speed freewheels to 8 speed freehubs seems like a big advance. In my experience as far as geared bikes go, for me, the jump from 6 to 7 speed, and friction to indexed shifting, and clipless pedals were the biggest advances. Some years ago after riding a 3 x 7 Bianchi hybrid, I switched back to a friction shifting 3 x 6 Schwinn LeTour Luxe touring bike. The two things I really noticed and not in a good way were the friction shifters, and the 6 speed freewheel.

Today I ride a steel Salsa Casseroll with 9 speed brifters and a Brooks Saddle. Old school meets modern. Best of both worlds, IMO.