Like to bike. There is no reason to belabor a point. I don't think your goal is to dictate what gear the respective kinds of cyclist find useful.? Would you argue my point about fashion police telling cycists either way what to or not to wear. Seems you don't respond to that point.
I agree. Cycists should not be judged by gear they wear. A rider in cut off's could beat the hell out of someone in team gear. Not that racing matters to this recreational rider.
But, endurance riders should be disallowed to wear comfortable gear because some motorist might be offended. Agree or not. ? If we are respectful of our free choices, then there is no argument.
But, survey I read just today. Unfortunately just 2% of riders in the UK are bike commuters.
Might be an indication that a greater number of cyclists need gear for endurance riding; since racers and long distance riders suffer more than just a spin around the block.