Problem with discussing pack weight is it's absolutely pointless to generalise.
Advising people what to carry when you have no idea on their body size/build, fitness level, terrain they're walking over, distance, weather or even ascent they're planning on doing is pointless.
A night above the tree line is going to be a LOT different than a night on a lower site.
End of the day we're all adults and we all make our own choices, if you've got back from a trip and found it difficult going due to carrying too much, then there are usually things that can be changed or left at home depending on how much you're willing to pay or how uncomfortable a night you're willing to accept.
Tossing figures about IS helpful as it gives a rough guide of what others are taking.
Problem in my experience though is people are often wrong or just plain dishonest when it comes to pack weights.
It seems to be some sort of bragging right now days to pick a low number and brag how light their kit is, when you actually examine their kit list though you often find many things missing and/or weights of items that just don't add up to manufacturers or other uses weights.
So although i'm more guilty than most for pouring over kit lists and weight worksheets, we're all different with different expectations of what our night out will be like, so it's easy to get caught up in bragging rights, it's really down to each one of us to take what we feel we need.
I'd also be extremely suspect about any ones "advice" that lists maps and compass as "optional"
That might just be me though
