WOW. Hot topic. Anything that get's you thinking about how you/your family/friends prepare and protect themselves for a ride is a pertinent/important topic for discussion in my opinion.
I feel that anyone who cares about themselves and their immediate family/friends would make it a priority to have the best protection available within budget. I would hope the goal is to enjoy, not only the present ride, but many more in the future. That goal is made successful with the more types of gear equipped and consistent use of that gear.
There are always people that feel vanity or masculinity are compromised when using such protection. And as always, shear ignorance is the excuse for many.
Me, my wife, daughter, and son wear protective gear on every ride. Atv (quads) and motorcycles. Helmets, chest protectors, offroad riding gear with exhaust protection, gloves, and MX boots (Alpinestars and Berik). But injuries have still occured (broken collar bone, ruptered spleen, bruised ribs, scrapes and burns). I can imagine what could happen if the gear was not worn.
Thanks for letting me bend your ears...
Furious