<<<On the one hand, some people wouldn't live without those little comforts just for the ability to retire earlier.

On the other hand, some people wouldn't work an extra 5 or 10 years just to have those little things. >>>>

What's wrong with both?

What's wrong with working longer to have more money AND doing without the things you could buy with more money?

Well, unless you plan to leave an inheritance to someone it sounds like a dreadful waste of time and life.

Of course there are many people who intend to work until they drop and who will then live on next to nothing due to poor planning. But they probably aren't participating in any discussion board whose name includes the word "retire" nor in any community dedicated to managing one's finances.