My smell aside, lol, you make an interesting set of points.
Particularly - about meeting other peoples expectations.
Should you dress purely to do so?
Or for your own comfort?
Or compromise between the two.
I.e - I went to a "speed networking" event recently, and opted for a decent suit, with a (subtly) patterned shirt and no tie - as you say - kinda smart casual.
A plus for everyone, I think - I'm not being strangled by a tie, so I feel happier and more able to deal with people effectively - they get to see me in a suit, so they know I at least have access to one!
