I prefer wired headphones at my desk but my AirPods are incredible for being on the go.

The noise cancellation is also great. I’ll use them if it gets noisier than my closed headphones can block.

> and finally, to my taste, they are somehow gross to look at - like hearing aids from the 1950s.

I do not care in the slightest how they look. They’re small and work well.

> The product just seems like a manifestation of complexity for the sake of complexity.

As someone who actually uses them, I disagree on every level.

Their size is nice. You can easily take them wherever you go without questioning if you need them. It's not all bad.

I hate untangling wires. The noise cancellation (including passive for the pros) is great. Easier to switch between devices. I can use them with the Apple TV when my wife goes to sleep (she's an early riser).

The downsides you list don't apply to me personally. I don't have to "worry" about charging them; I just charge them. I have never lost them, I keep them in the same spot. I also personally think they look better than wired, but that's a fashion thing.

I think it's fine to have a different preference, but I find it odd people can't even understand the appeal of them. I don't like wired, but I can understand why people have different preferences.