Dude, chill out... I choose to wear mesh pants and mesh jacket, both with pads for just the peace of mind. Will they stop a miata from eating me? No... Will they protect me at 80 when I high side? Probably just help prevent a little road rash (not all and not broken bones). Do I ride longer than 20 mins? Heck yes and with mesh it is cooler than you think. Have I dropped it after 3 days? Of course! The bike has the road rash to prove it. It doesn't turn like a scooter btw...
Call me a squid, a dummy, whatever... (I perfer "spirited rider"...) I would much rather look like a retard than be that guy doin wheelies and endos on the interstate with shorts and flip flops.
I have been ridin for 2 years and know what road rash feels like... Ever dump a scooter? ROFLMAO! (Yes, I am laughing at myself!) I have... I was wearing blue jeans... Jeans were fine, but my legs were not... and I was doing 20mph... I got ballsy and lowsided in a corner.
Does it make you more of a man cause you choose not to wear pads? Nope
Does it make you more of a man cause I choose to wear em? Nope
It is just a choice. I choose to "appear" safer than you...