Originally Posted by
Nyah
Why have tights become the default?
...
I never wear padded shorts, either.
I think you answered your own question there: many people need some padding; tights are also very good at not chafing.
Note that where I am most commuters are not wearing tights so they are not the default in my area. I didn't use tights maybe thirty years ago but I bought one pair and never looked back.