The cycling concept that embraces "street attire" is the keystone of the Rivendell philosophy, and that alone is fine. I get it.
I truly enjoy cycling, but inwardly groan every time I don the gear. Once underway of course, the modern cycling gear is fantastic. I have a lot of bikes, but every one requires the use of cycling specific shoes etc.
One of these days, I will assemble a bicycle that I can ride in jeans and sneakers, but will I ride it? I have completely embraced the suffering of cycling, and riding casually is a completely foreign notion at this point (I am 50).
Where GP goes wrong is this totally dogmatic view, where he is going to save us from ourselves (my perception).
Anyway, it's all good. Live and let live.