Disc brakes on commuters might be like fenders. Those that don't need them in their climate see them as expensive, heavy and ugly. Those that really appreciate them in their climate wonder how those without survive in rain and why their bike doesn't just rust away before their eyes.

I'm from a flat, cold, wet place with a surprising amount of silica in the soil and I really appreciate hub-mounted brakes (disc, drum or rollerbrake).
Only stainless steel rims seem to be almost indestructible but those have a worse grip and lower stopping power than lightweight aluminum rims.