Another aspect of aesthetics, specifically re fenders,as someone who rides a couple of mtbs, one older one from 90s and a newer one set up with drops, I do get how aesthetically, not knobby tires tend to look goofy on these bikes.
At least with fenders it helps visually, adding some visual space to counter the non knobby tires thing going on.
I have some clip on fenders on the older bike, including a suspension fork version, which when off the bike really looks goofy.
The permanent silver fenders on this bike pictured also is something I like visually, plus they keep crap off me when touring...
Anyway, just some ideas for you.
