I think that Patrick's posting answers your points admirably. But surely aesthetic and stylistic judgments are not validated by the numbers choosing one style over another - that is mistaking fashion for style.The tie is something I have had trouble understanding, and have been glad to see it as less necessary for many types of dress occasions...Aside from certain formal occasions that require a suit with tie, I would always opt out of wearing one.
I gain no advantage from wearing one, and don't believe I will be perceived as badly dressed if the rest of my outfit is nice. With many prominent people now having opting for the tieless look for some time now, I believe it is certainly acceptable on a widespread basis and not considered to be any sort of fashion mistake.