Evidentally "abs" is not mandatory otherwise all motorized vehicles would be required to have them. Like you said..to each his own for more reasons than one. Yes,
I experienced abs once on a rent all vehicle but I wasn't sold on it being something I wanted on vehicles I own. Not only all this but many people buy on a budget and many on site vehicles at dealerships do not carry the abs as stock. If some are correct, one day it will be required on everything manufactured for street use etc.