A few examples as food for thought:
- A tall guy can pull off a sport coat with contrasting trousers because he is tall. A short man would look better in a matching suit.
- A big marching band can create a nice effect with contrasting color guard uniforms. A small band will look bigger and better when everybody matches.
- A McMansion might fit on an 80x100' lot, but it won't look right.
O scale on a 4x8' layout looks like the McMansion on the 80x100' lot or the short dude in the sport coat or the tiny little band on the big field. The trains are simply too large to look their best on the run of track provided to them. We could debate what scale is most successful at 4x8', but I think most of us know deep down on the inside that "O" trains are too big.
Of course, life is full of compromises. They build McMansions on tiny lots. They sell sport coats in smaller sizes. They make marching bands out of whatever personnel is available. Do what makes you happy, but don't put your head in the sand and ignore the limitations of whatever path you pursue.
