Originally Posted by Silverexpress

the other attributes would also encompass the cyclists riding experience, body shape, general health status, flexibilty, and tolerance to pain.

What feels good to you now may change 5, 10, 20 yrs down the road.

Your body is continuously changing. Joints get stiffer, muscles become less flexible, injuries from the past start to show, knees start to ache...etc....

What works for you necessarily does not mean it will work for others. There are no two persons alike. That's why there is an after market for stems, saddles, handlebars, and various model types.

If it takes a comfort bike for most to get into cycling....let it be so.
Maybe in due time they'll wake up and invest in a recumbent.