Well I was surprised to read that when it came across, but all the points you indicate are valid and stuff I never would have considered. Thanks for posting the build as well as your trial and error with it.
It's funny you mention the simplicity of riding a cheaper bike... my friend and I were out riding the trail yesterday talking about the riding we did as kids. Hard plastic seats, single speed, coaster brakes, etc. and we didn't care and just rode the crap out of them. Now? Gears, special seats, special gear for riding, etc, etc. The list goes on and on. The bike starts to get so expensive that you don't want to ride it for fear of scratching it up, or locking it outside of the store without worrynig about it getting stolen, etc. At least that's where I'm at with my biking experience.
V