I hate the look of fenders.
I also never ride my commuter hybrid without them because as much as I don't like the look...they do exactly what they are supposed to. I can hit a mud patch or wet road grit that the tires would otherwise spray all over me....and the fenders trap it nicely. They also keep wet slop out of my pannier bags and off my tail light that is supposed to be weather proof but I have no desire to fully test that since it's not cheap.
For my weekend cross bike...I don't run full fenders. But since I don't like the stripe up my back after riding dirt trails I'm looking for an more aggressive looking rear fender. Because once again...they do work.