Why do we backpack?

I am amazed with the realization that a good number of folks who do lots of hiking - even many who have hiked all 800 mikes of Smokies trails - rarely backpack. Carson Brewer included! I am not one of those people.
The reasons for not backpacking are simple enough. My estimate is that backpacking is at least 2.5X more difficult than straight hiking. You also must have a permit, have to plan your hike around campsites, are at the mercy of weather, have to deal with bears on their terms, and have to often eschew some creature comforts, like bathing.
I find all of those things secondary to the one main (maybe only) reason to strap on the pack - the freedom of real camping. I backpack to have the freedom to camp in a place free of anything that has to do with internal combustion (Uh oh, may stove may qualify - ok forget that one). Suffice it to say. finding an interesting campsite, with good water, nice trees, maybe a view...or one that is really way out in the middle of nowhere just gives a sense of freedom like no other. The bears and rogue storms just keep it interesting.
Some of my favorite official campsites are:
1) Mt Sterling - with the view, and the meadow-like setting, it is superb camping. - however it is a bit overused, is really exposed in electrical storms (which also makes it really cool) and has little to no firewood.
2) Spruce Mtn. - an often overlooked site with some, huge, near- virgin trees in a high altitude setting
3) Mc Gee Springs - Some sites are wet and sloping, but a big place in a nice wood
Other than those high camps, I also enjoy some of the litte used sites around Cades Cove and Twentymile, that people tend to avoid, esp. in the summer, because they are low, windless, and buggy. Catch those sites in late fall through early spring, and enjoy a big fire, with good company.
Oh in case you were wondering, the unofficial sites are for you to find.