Vermonter - unfortunately, FAR TOO MANY people have planned poorly. I see more of them every day than those that have enough to meet their needs. I see very few that have the liquid resources to be able to replace even 50% of their income in retirement and maintain their lifestyle. Sure, it is easier if you can do it on 30-40% but as you stated, that will not work for everyone.

The question really does become a one of need as many find out that they can no longer do what they used to - or have to continue working to maintain a similar lifestyle in retirement.

Think of a couple making 100k a year (not a ton of money I think we would all agree). Let's assume they need 70k in retirement to maintain their lifestyle. Even if they both get $2000 a month from SS (a heck of a stretch), they would need about 22k to maintain their lifestyle. At a SWR of 4%, that is 550k. In my experience, it is uncommon for middle class couples to have savings over half a million dollars for retirement.