Many people still live a "subsistence" lifestyle. Some by choice, others because of need. But, we "entitled" 'mericans" forget about others, their needs and desires. In my part of the world thousands of people live a subsistence way of life.
I'm a fan of leather because it properly teases my senses, smell, feel and the way it ages (eye appeal). Soaping up a saddle, chaps, gun leather, my old, supple uniform jacket, is a relaxing activity. Very much the same as my love affair with wood. I suppose synthetics have their place. Leisure suits? I've not found a man-made product warmer than wolf or wolverine. By God, a man's tie is to be silk! Not polyester!
"Imitation" anything is usually a synonym for "cheap" or "shoddy." Vinyl seats were developed for those wanting but, unable to afford the real stuff or a vehicle with the "real' stuff. Just my not so humble opinion.
Man developed bows, arrows, methods of increasing force and distance with spears so as to compete with the faster "cuts" of meat. Then stealth and speed became less of a problem. Domesticating the horse and dog evened the hunt even more. In fact man got so good at hunting, regulations prohibiting "deer shining", helicopter hunting, etc had to be implemented. Nope we've come along ways from hunting in packs, cornering the mastodon with a group and then poking it numerous times, avoiding those hunters, bleeding on the ground, too slow of foot.
Before better weapons, North American aborigines used to run thousands of bison over cliffs so as to secure a few for hides, meat, sewing materials and decorations. They really were more concerned with survival than conservation and preservation. No need to chase down dinner, just be smarter than the animal.
Nope I'm a fan of wild meats, clothes made from hide, cotton, wool and ... leather seats! Horror of horrors, I even have a small group of boots made from exotic leathers.
