I fish 30lb braid because I usually fish at a marina with docks and boats around, and no room to follow the fish. I need to pull the fish away from the docks, sail boat keel, boat motor...etc. I need to be able to turn a fish so it doesn't run past a jetty to snag my line across a boating channel. I need to be able to turn a fish in case a boat is returning to the dock.
Part of it is to show respect that I need to give to boat owners so I do not foul up their property, since I am a guest fishing at the dock. I would much rather prevent a fish from running the line into the motor and foul up a prop than to fight a fish on gear that I can't control. I would much rather not snag the line on a keel, break off, and have line hanging off the keel. I would much rather not have line stretches across the boating channel should a fish run around the jetty and I couldn't follow.
Plus, bringing a fish in within 3min is less stress on the fish than bringing in a fish within 5min. It ensures better release and (hopefully) allows the fish to spawn successfully to produce the next generation.
A quick fight and a quick release is the same rationale to fight big Muskellunge on 80lb braid and 130lb leader. Honestly, Muskellunge are not that strong (for their size, they are quite wimpy actually)...but the heavy gear is used to accommodate the large lures (10lb breaking strength per 1oz of lure) and to ensure a quick fight.
If the argument for light gear is self serving proposition to get the best fight out of the fish, then you should be fishing 2lb test for salmon in the stream and have everyone else wait 20 minutes for you to land the fish, while running up and down the stream to follow it. Sometimes, respect precedes your own needs.
I see it at PH all the time...
1) People doesn't know how to fight a fish and have too light a drag, fearing they will break off the fish
2) People doesn't know how to follow a fish to stay directly in line with the fish, forcing the entire pier to reel in their lines and keeping everyone waiting
3) People use gear that is too light that can't even stop a run or turn a fish when it is tired
Sure, you get an amazing 20min fight...but you are wasting people's time.