Oh yeah, I do like to debate with the Group Thinkers mired in their own Conventional Wisdom about Real Commuting and Serious Cyclists. Unfortunately they prefer to ignore the argument and instead seek only discussion that is the equivalent of electronic group hugging.

I think I made the point that a far less expensive bike than the very nice bikes suggested by the OP would be just as suitable for the typical short distance commuter or utility cyclist. These bikes (simple one and 3 speeds with fenders, chainguards and kickstands) were at every bike retailer until the 70's when they were dropped like hot potatos for the latest marketing fad. Reintroduction and promotion at the department store outlets of those old fashioned low tech bikes that I previously mentioned would greatly expand the availability of bikes that were seen as practical for the intended purpose to the vast majority of the public (who choose never to set foot in an LBS.) Or have set foot inside an LBS and saw nothing that seemed to be worth their money for their intended purpose and everything they could desire if the intended purpose of a bike purchase was to ride in a peloton on the next club century ride.