Popular culture says that all road bikes must be "racing bikes". We are not all Walter Mitty. A 650b is a great choice that would benefit allot of people. Egos get in the way.
Curiously enough... the 650B conversion that works best is one that uses a typical late 80's/early 90's steel frame criterion type bike, 700C wheels, with very tight brake clearances. ONce the 650B wheel is on, there is enough clearance for fatter tires, fenders, and the needed brake reach is workable (there are Tektro brakes with long reach caliper style... otherwise, some old Centre pulls work).
Some cool visual examples of quick road bike 650B converts:
