Kickstands are another one of those preference things. I really like having on and don't mind the extra weight one bit for the added convenience.
In a way one can do without almost anything if you want to cut out weight, one can go fixed, drop the kickstand, use a backpack instead of rack, even ride brakeless on a fixed. Your bike will be very simple and light which is nice. But personally i also really dig convenience and being able to do just about anything with my bike. Everything i mount can also be taken off if i notice it bothers me.
As for touring, it can be really fairly hard to prop up a fully loaded bike so it won't slide down or tumble over. If you use a stand for touring only a couple are really up to the job such as the ESGE ones.
Last edited by v1nce; 12-08-05 at 07:05 PM.