It was your commentary about the increasing specialization of MTBs that sparked my post. Older MTBs were better generalists. I think we agree on that point.

FWIW I don't really expect any "takers", but I do stand by the idea that CERTAIN (not all) basic bikes sold by big boxes do represent a valid transport option where price and general ability are more important than other consideration. A better option at a lower price than many of the bikes chosen by people buying bikes in big boxes who are swayed by "shock" "abosrbers", pivot points, and bits that move.

In my mind the simple basic bikes ARE bikes, rather than BSOs, though assembly is often an issue, as with any big box bike.