OneTinSloth: you're an interesting sort of retro grouch. How well does STI work on Moustache bars? I'd think that bar-end shifters would actually be easier to use than STI on moustache bars. But I've not tried it both ways (heck, I've never used brifters, and not because I'm against them, but rather because I've not seen the need to update).
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And, in addition to realizing that you don't need that, you also realize that your body weight fluctuates by probably more than 4 pounds through weekly or monthly life, and that amount of weight makes little difference to your cycling.

On Rivendell, I have some thought that Grant Peterson did change some things about the course of modern cycling, by starting Rivendell. First, I understand that he always had a somewhat tenuous relationship with Bridgestone - he had a vision, and it could partially line up with Bridgestone's, but not fully, and eventually Bridgestone pulled out of the U.S. market. Then he formed Rivendell.
Second, although you're right that Riv doesn't serve the typical market - their stuff is far too expensive for that - they have done a good job at getting their cycling ideology out there. And interestingly, you've seen companies start producing for the more affordable markets, in line with that vision. Small budget-welded-steel makers like Surly and Soma. But you also have large companies, with Trek's Pilot line and Specialized's Roubaix line, making road bikes that are light and fast, but without aggressive racing geometry, and with clearance for larger tires and/or fenders. I have some thought that this all happened, in part, because Riv did a good job pitching their philosophy (which makes very good sense on many counts, and comes off as reactionary on others). Some of the good-sense counts have been adopted by larger manufacturers.