Seems to be, more and more threads that are saying a mid-drive is the only way to go, because it's Ssooo much better, because of the gear multiplication of torque is in the "right" place... Is It or is it not really "needed" there?

1; What about your input? How much "better/more" does it have to be to give you enough assistance?
2; What about the fact that you only have 9 gears?
3; What about the higher resistance/noise when the motor isn't helping and you want to ride the bike "normally"?
4; What about when the battery is dead and you only have 9 gears to get home instead of 27 on an 50Lbs+ bike?
5; What about maintenance, is it more/less?
6; What about ultimate reliability, which it better cost not a consideration?
7; What about the ultimate cost/benefit/reliability/value ?
8;

I would like to hear form both sides as to why they picked one or the other... And was it the "right" choice for you?

I have a 350 watt hub-motor for the last 4 years, that I am 100% happy with, why isn't it good enough for you? Meaning why did you get something more/different/better, maybe even over the top? For my next bike I am considering a mid-drive... But maybe a 500 Watt hub motor would "do just fine"...