As a recovering gearaholic, I feel the pain of feeling like I want to backpack less because there's just too much to choose from, and each thing is almost, but not quite, Perfect.

It's enough to make you say "the hell with it" and go back to a tarp, sleeping bag, blue foam pad, and Svea stove!

You're right, there is enough variety, each with its own peculiarities, that you do have to try it out (mail order is great, but the local outfitter lets you see it, touch it, lie down on it...) It's a far cry from 30 years ago, as you and I both remember, when you adapted to the limited assortment of gear that was available.