The current fashion for changing stems and bars and getting ever wider is just b******s, it is an easy way to try and buy excuses. Stem too long, bars to narrow, need more leverage etc.
PMSL
Riding 745 & 760 now, more spread out, better on my shoulders, keeps my chest nice and open.
I have ridden some demo’s with 685’s again and they just feel wrong.
Not sure how changing something is buying excuses though, I upgraded a component to be more suitable for what I do. I find it better. No excuses really, just broad shoulders.
As for Stems not had longer than 70mm in 7 years.
If the first mountain bike you rode had 700-750mm bars on you would think it was normal and natural. However our history has started with narrow so thats what you think is normal. I once doubted that wider was better, happily I can admit I was wrong.