I'm not saying full leathers each and every time. But these days there are kevlar denims, god knows how many mesh protective jackets, decent breathing boots. The lot.
How long does it take to pull on a pair of jeans and slip on some zip-up boots?
How long does it take to heal because some dickhead side-swiped you and you weren't able to react in time? Or you had the briefest lapse in concentration?
Simple equation.
Of course, you tote freedom. There's no laws stating I have to wear all this gear apart from my helmet. We have the same freedoms.
And those short rides are the ones you're more likely to get screwed up on.
So you enjoy that.