Something that's occurred to me is that pavement is the new gravel in regions where the powers-that-be have decided to let the roads deteriorate. Such as, Wisconsin. Maybe this is why gravel bikes are suddenly so popular.

There are some counties in northern Wisconsin where the roads are worn out, and there is no funding to re-pave them, so the only cost effective option is to grind up the pavement and turn it into a gravel road. Elsewhere, the paved portion of the road is getting narrower as pieces chip off the edges. Man, I don't like riding on those roads.

A decade ago, had you suggested suspension for pavement commuting, I would have looked at you funny. Today, hmmm... Fortunately my county is still capable of maintaining its roads, but who knows how long that will last.