I agree that it is hard to get a consensus on the issue of roads.      Some people like the added feature and tolerate (or even like) a bit more complexity.    Other people would just as soon skip it.

My thought process is based on playing MOM and AOW:SM.    In both cases the ability existed to build roads (at a cost).    It seemed to add to the game.  

I can clearly see on this issue and a bunch of others we are unlikely to reach agreement.   It is also unlikely to be the sort of item that can be on or off option during game set up.