So many people being so negative about others doing things they don't like to do themselves. Kind of small-minded, IMO.
"Why gravel riding? is the same sort of question as "Why ride MTB?' Or fatbike, or downhill, or CX or roads .... why ride a bike at all?
Glad to see some folks actually bothered to answer the ... somewhat less thoughtful objections.
If there had been an internet back then ... there would have been threads upon threads of people laughing at those repack idiots burning out the bearings on their balloon-tire Schwinns riding down mountains. A passing phase obviously ....... off-road riding will fade away pretty soon ......