Originally Posted by Dave Mayer

I've never experienced movement between a wheel and fork legs using conventional quick release skewers. No play. But then I know how to properly tighten a quick release, unlike what I estimate to be 75% of the bike riding population.

I suppose if I were riding disks, thru-axles would be prudent to prevent the front wheel from ejecting, but since on road bikes, disks are heavy, fussy, and unnecessary, this is all moot.

Apart from the idiot-proofing benefit, thru-axles are just a time-wasting PITA.