The biz is under the impression that all customers that matters wants to ride what the pro racers ride.
And of course, ”new=better” is another widespread opinion.
So anyone having another set of priorities than accessorising like the pros is immediately facing a challenge.
I was entirely happy with my 3x7 commuter, tight ratio cassette, 26” wheels. Sure, it span out at 25 mph, which was a non-issue entirely for the suburb/city route. And it got amazing drivetrain mileage and upkeep costs.
The only time I can think of when equipment preferences have moved in the other direction is disc brakes on road bikes. While discs are in no way required, they’re nice. Less hand force needed, less influenced by weather. Plenty of everyday riders wanted them. And of course some want Ultegra or Dura-Ace as well. And suddenly there they were, despite organizers, teams and riders being far from convinced about their usefulness.