But you can't put them on if you don't have them with you.

Commuting in my work clothes I need to stay fairly clean and dry, not working set hours means I can't plan to not need lights ahead of time, and it works best for me to carry my lunch and beverages in a cooler, therefore fenders, lights and rack.

Recreationally, my rides most often include running errands, stopping at the thrift store, yard sales, ect. I still prefer to stay clean and dry, may not get home before dark, and need a way to carry acquisitions. My path racer is my only bare bones bike, and I only ride it when I know for sure it will be a short, quick ride with no stops. It does have dyno lights as I prefer to have lights, and already had them on hand.
It simply works better for me to fit my bikes to how I ride, than to fit how I ride to my bikes.

BTW, still trying to figure out how you can drive without being responsible for some pollution. Even EVs use energy, their pollution just is NIMBY.