Seattle Rear fender eliminator help

[the Ferret]

I have to admit I don't understand the whole fender elimination thing (not that I need to.. individuals choice and all). Especially on a bike like the CB. Maybe on a sport bike to make it look more like a road racer? Maybe shorter or made slimmer on a bobber or chopper? But eliminated entirely doesn't make sense to me. But then again I enjoy looking at fenders. Chromed, painted , stainless, rolled edges, hand pin striped. I think fenders are cool.

I also don't understand tiny little turn signals.

or stubby little mufflers

Maybe it's a generational thing? or I'm just getting old (most likely)