I think, in the main, I share your views Arsenal. Although in certain cases, PE parts can have a distinct advantage, for instance, for use in small, scale brackets, rudder pedals etc., I personally think that their use, and production, is over-rated. You are quite right, given that the equipment is available, the production of PE parts, a 'spin-off' from PCB production techniques, is relatively inexpensive, fairly simple, and fairly quick.
It seems to have become, in some circles, the 'done thing' to use PE, when some modellers can turn out 'museum quality' models that don't really demonstrate modelling skills, but more a proficiency in assembling ready-made accessory parts.
I think I have used PE parts twice in the past thirty years; once for a boarding ladder for a BAC Lightning, and once, as a kit part, for the cockpit hood armour in a Bf109E. Again, personally, I wouldn't purchase these parts, prefering to at least attempt to make my own, scratch-built detail. The reasons for this are twofold and simple; I find PE difficult and messy to handle, due to disability, and the cost is prohibitive, when I can normally 'do it myself', and gain a sense of acheivement.
However, I have nothing against such accessories; if people want to, or feel a need to use them, that's their choice. But, I do find it irritating when PE is expected in a kit of a certain price, and some individuals complain or grumble if it's not included.
Instead of buying these relatively expensive accessories, perhaps some modellers should look around, and find suitable materials to use in the production of their own, finely detailed parts. Afterall, even the IPMS rules have changed drastically since I last competed as a member, many moons ago. Then, plastic models had to be plastic, with only a very minimum of other materials allowed, such as balsa wood for major conversions, or perhaps, the then 'new fangled' white metal undrcart legs!
Maybe these old 'standards' are too deeply ingrained for me to change, but it's doubtful if I'll be using PE in the foreseeable future, unless there are some parts in a particular kit. Even then, I think I'd try other methods first.