Have to agree with the OP. IT seems "Overbuilt" has become an understatement. Won't surprise me to see some maker come out with a knife that started out as an ax head sometime soon. For me, there are many problems that come along with a thick blade. Points to ponder:
Who could shave with an ax head?
Thick blade is a heavy blade. Which is going to affect all sorts of things from handling and accuracy to where your pants are riding.
A .25" blade is "stronger" than a .13" blade... True. Better... Why??? Who has the hand strength to break a properly made .13" thick knife? At least without sticking it in a vice trying to snap the blade.
Thick knife invites trouble and abuse.
2 knives of the same steel, both sharpened to 20 degrees per side. One knife is .25" stock, the other is .12" but down at the very edge, both knives are identical. Logic says the thicker knife is going to get more pressure on it's edge than it's thinner counterpart. If only from the differences in weight. Throw in human nature and a "My knife is built to take it" attitude and the thick knife is going to see more wear and tear if not outright abuse than the thinner knife.
Thin bladed knives seem to reinforce the idea that you should use the knife as it was meant to be used, and let the tool do the work. Cut with the edge, not with the force you put on the edge. Ya, I know, silly concept.