Boy Howdy!  You guy's nailed it...
 I agree that most people are driving these vehicles to make a
Statement, not because they really need them or actually use use them
to anywhere approaching their full capabilities very often, if ever.

   I just came home from the desert SW, within a few hours of the
Greater California Megalopolis.  You would not believe the shiny huge
4-door air conditioned auto transmission Jeeps, the Humvees, the
Syncros, the Baja Buggies, etc that make it out, via (cringe!) a two
lane highway (that is a big adventure for many drivers) ....to drive
past (through) the desert on their Sunday outings..

  On the other hand there are a comparatively few who are pretty
amazing in where they can make 4wd vehicles go...We went to a Jeep/Off
Road Jamboree at the Ocatillo Wells Off Road Vehicular area..a
California state park...Most of the spectators arrived in fancy
tarted-up 'pretend vehicles' but the competitors/participants?....wow!
 those guys had some serious Iron and did incredible driving...

  Lotta modified Toyota trucks, funny looking purpose built stuff with
cages around them to let em roll over and survive...giant wheels,
locked transmissions, big ol' torque monster motors!  Lotta beer
drinking going on, Vendor semi trucks, State park cops,
helicopters....what a scene!  Not one Syncro tried any of the
"problems" they had built in the Off Road Obstacle course.....

 most people are barely machine operators on the roads - few are
actual drivers. so,
>
> ________________________________
>  From: Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 2:56 PM
> Subject: Re: Tires and Wheels - The best laid plans of Mice and Men.....
  Seems like owning a
> Syncro Westy is more of a fashion statement these days.  Fewer people own
> them for their utility.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jeff