What I have enjoyed about this thread is that, no matter where one places a value, some interesting points of consideration have been discussed.

For me, a narrow range cassette isn't as attractive as a wide range. More than feeling a lack or being able to find the perfect gear on tours I more often wish for a lower gear on long sustained climbs. Paired with a decent high end I jones for as low as I can go.

Riding a few different bikes, from FG, SS to 1x5, 1x8, 2x10 and 3x8, I'm used to using whatever gears are there. I'm not that fussy so anything over one gear to me is a blessing. I never desire 10 or so tightly clustered in the mid range. But, of all the things I've done on bikes I never raced competitively so that instinct to find the perfect cadence isn't very developed.

I also like things I can fix myself and, as with every sport or pastime I've undertaken, I have a keen interest in simplicity of design, so that is always attractive to me, whether it's minimal camping, vintage equipment diving or alpine climbing. Less is more, while still being practical is my motto.