I find this topic timely as I just got back from a road trip where I alternated between a road ride one day and gravel riding the next. The gravel rides just beat me up. my hands were sore and numb, my back hurt and it just wasn't fun even with my Rene Herse tires. Yes, if I had a proper gravel bike and did this and did that it would help alleviate some of these problems but I just didn't find it as enjoyable as riding on the back roads that are paved. I wanted to enjoy it and even was looking for a gravel bike to purchase but now I can say I am finished. There might be the occasional ride but I won't be buying a gravel bike.
I don't see this as a loss, I like what I like and I am sticking to it. This doesn't mean I can't revisit the idea of gravel but right now, not for me.
On a side note I really enjoy watching the gravel racing on YouTube there has been some good stuff lately.