Originally Posted by mstateglfr

Suspension, in its various forms, exists for multiple reasons.

- to make a cheap bike look like a higher quality bike.
- to allow for faster riding on technical terrain.
- to allow for more comfort while stiffening frame for handling and power generation.
- to allow for safer riding on technical terrain.
- and more!

Its great that you do 'pretty well' without suspension. I do 'pretty great' without frame or component suspension. My gravel bike doesnt have any frame or component suspension and I dont think twice about it- its a road bike designed for gravel roads, the tires provide enough suspension for how/where I ride.
Questioning if suspension exists for companies to charge more is absurd. Claiming suspension is popular because aluminum became popular as a frame material 3 decades ago is absurd.

Suspension forks, stems, and seat posts all exist as options along a wide spectrum of consumer choice. Nobody is making you choose suspension so it doesnt exist just to charge more. Suspension is also on steel, carbon, and titanium frames, so it doesnt exist because aluminum became popular 30 years ago.
Suspension exists because it it beneficial for some users in certain situations. Thats it- thats all there is to it. Some use it because it allows them to ride faster and/or more comfortably and/or more safely in specific instances. Seems like a very legitimate offering, actually.