I find it fascinating that people who exercise would want to skip the weights. Strength training makes everything else so much easier, even "doing nothing" (sleep, metabolism, etc.)!

Yes and people don't realize how much it helps with mobility. I used to not really train my legs and would just do lighter weight mobility exercises but I was still very stiff in some movements even after years. It was only when I added in proper weight training that my body started to loosen up. Tight muscles generally are weak muscles after all. Plus it's very rewarding seeing the weights gradually going up and actually seeing your muscles growing, not to mention the dozens of other benefits

I don’t hate weight lifting, but riding my bike is just glorious and fun and has a point (I go to the grocery store and buy groceries with my e-bike, then on multi hour rides up and down hills) so it’s something I actually want to do. Lifting weights feels good when I’m there but it’s a habit I have to build to go somewhere and do a thing. It’s just harder to integrate because it’s not literally just “go outside and hit the trail”.

I honestly don't know how people manage without it. Most of us sit all day for work. My body will literally demand that I hit the weight room after a few days, otherwise I'll have trouble sitting for hours, sleeping, etc.