I think it depends on the usage. for MTB I am fine with wider gaps. Nothing I have seen put out there, even the 10-42 and 11-50 11 speed cassettes, have any gaps that concern me. In fact, I have always felt that up until now, mtb cassettes were too closely spaced, and I would have much preferred wider gaps and a wider overall range. IMO, 9 speed could have been offered in 11-42.

Riding pavement is a little different. I don't mind wider gaps at the very bottom and top, but around where I am usually cruising on flats or gentle hills, I want it tighter.

I am not sure about dirt and gravel roads. I have not tried a wide-spaced cassette there.