Something I've noticed amongst both 'overlanders' and also 'trailriders' back here in the UK. They stand up as soon as they get onto a gravel road, but the moment the going gets tricky their arse is back on the seat like a flash, and often their feet are stuck out trailing above the ground.
The latter is particularly dangerous if you value your ankles. Plus if you always ride tough terrain like this, you'll kill your dab reflex for when you come across a bit of hidden loose ground.
I think it's written in Chris Scott's handbook something like: 'No need to standup on loose ground, taking the weight off your arse and putting it onto your feet is enough'. And this is very true and appropriate advice for overland travel.
The only time as a novice I've felt it 100% natural to stand up is when going down hill slowly on loose/rocky ground.
But undoubtedly mastering standing up all the time is going to be a massive benefit off the tarmac. I don't think anyone would argue against this. But I think the original poster's point was that the majority of riders standing up are doing it because they think they should do, and not because it helps them. If you're not used to it, standing up will reduce your balance, and definitely reduce your control of the bike.
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