You assume that the bad effects will dominate, but I’m not sure that would be the case. If you like the taste itself enough, that might balance the bad effect. And “good” hard liquor might (and does, in my limited experience) reduce the bad effects.
Further, comparatively few people like (neat) hard liquor, and the direct unpleasant effects are significantly reduced in beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
I agree with you that status considerations will often make people inclined to get an Irish Cream when they’d prefer a milkshake or fool themselves into thinking that expensive wine tastes better. But you’re apparently making a strong claim (nobody really likes the taste of alcoholic beverages), on weak evidence.
You assume that the bad effects will dominate, but I’m not sure that would be the case. If you like the taste itself enough, that might balance the bad effect. And “good” hard liquor might (and does, in my limited experience) reduce the bad effects.
Further, comparatively few people like (neat) hard liquor, and the direct unpleasant effects are significantly reduced in beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
I agree with you that status considerations will often make people inclined to get an Irish Cream when they’d prefer a milkshake or fool themselves into thinking that expensive wine tastes better. But you’re apparently making a strong claim (nobody really likes the taste of alcoholic beverages), on weak evidence.