I'm not macho about torque wrenches, and I only work on steel-framed 70s and 80s bikes, but from my limited perspective, I just don't feel like going out and buying one more 'anal' tool that I've gotten by without using just fine. It's not really a macho issue for me, it's more that I got into working on bikes because of the relative simplicity and ease of learning and doing. I guess I find the need to have a torque wrench another step on the staircase that includes STI systems, torx head screws, splined system lockrings, airplane material frames, disposable $1500 bikes, clipless pedal systems, breathable synthetic clothing, alien-shaped glasses and helmets, etc. Not that any of things are necessarily bad--they represent 'improvements' of a sort, but how annoying. Why not transition to computer chip-driven, full logic, touch-sensitive, RF-controlled deraillers and brakes, get rid of such pesky atavisms as cables and housing?

Just give me a wrench and let me tighten or loosen up the bolt. I like working on bikes because they're simple.

BTW, the ParkTools bike repair book doesn't specify using a torque wrench for tightening your seatpost binder bolt: it says that the bolt should be tight enough that you can't move the seatpost with one hand on the saddle.

(I understand the need for using such a tool for 'higher end', exotic materials. But those of you who do, don't you just find it kind of annoying?)