Chris: I think this thread is more about the act of a government forcing you to wear a helmet, as opposed to it being about how sensible it is to wear a helmet. I doubt anyone who has posted in this thread believes that you don't need a good helmet while riding a motorcycle on public roads.
In England I suspect that only a very small minority of motorcycle street riders would consider riding without a helmet, law or no law. Despite the fact that there is no legal requirement to have any other protective gear than a helmet and eye protection, I'm yet to see a rider out without at least protective gloves and a protective jacket. Most riders I see -- like me -- wear full body protective gear... with the exception of moped riders,
because they're so much safer than motorcycles 