I appreciate this debate is something of a way to pass a dull evening, but...."Luxury", honestly?
Imho outboards have not been a "luxury" for maybe 50 years or more?
In this part of the world, there are/were a lot of ex War Dept British Seagull motors that freed many a professional seafarer from the drudgery/limitations of human and/or wind power.
When I go boating I don't pack a "hair shirt"!
I do pack an outboard, together with (on this boat) oars and sails. Three means of propulsion.
...and a radio, and a phone, and a plb....just in case....and a tow rope....That way I can get home, if worst comes.
Its a hobby, and besides we're not crossing the Atlantic are we? Its a day out....
Plenty of commercial vessels regularly cross the Pacific with one means of propulsion. One engine.
Plenty of people still operate commercially, and make a living with just an outboard motor, in boats that can't be rowed, or sailed.
Plenty of "classic" yachts/boats have managed for a 100 years or more, with no oars, nor engine.
Some here in Cornwall still fish commercially under sail alone; I don't think you'd row a Falmouth working boat very far?
Perhaps it's more of a matter of pragmatism and personal choice, depending upon many, many variables?
Row, motor, sail, punt...whatever...relax and enjoy!
Just don't irritate, nor interfere with other people's enjoyment.
Especially mine!
?
Ps sat here in covid quarantine, watching a TOTP from 1990, that i wouldn't have watched thirty years ago.
Nowt on tv, and too cold for the shed!