I was trying to find the time to respond but I could not phrase it any better than tarwheel. As one progresses as a cyclist, and discovers more nuances to commuting, especially with the weather, as well as traffic, conditioning, routes and so forth, one’s interest and needs become more advanced and intricate, i.e complicated, and expands the riders abilities and enjoyment.

So too does tjspiel peg it when he notes we advise according to our needs. For example, my main advice to a beginning commuter would be vague about what bike to buy other to satisfy need and price, but I specifically would recommend a rearview mirror, with the pro’s and con’s of all types. Or, though I don’t get too concerned about the technical specifics and brands about my bikes and components, I’m a enthusiast when it comes to the challenges of winter riding. I think this personalized tendency is the basic source of popcorn threads like using mirrors, listening to music, running red lights, etc.

IMO, the actual question of the op, “Do you ever think people overcomplicate this?” smacks of a holier-than-thou attitude, like. “I’m not religious, but I am spiritual.” I’m reminded about the medical definition of an alcoholic as “someone who drinks more than the doctor.”(or, someone wonkier about cycling than the OP). I think it’s all relative, as in someone who passes you in a car is an idiot (overcomplicates), and someone you pass is a moron (Fred).