The only time I wear gloves is if it's really cold and wet. Then I'll wear thermal full-finger gloves. Even then I might take them off mid ride
I run hot at the best of times and my rides are hard and hilly. I hate having sweaty hands and no gloves makes me feel more in contact with the bike.I don't get this "in case I fall off" argument for gloves. Why not wear knee pads as well, just in case?
If you're going to do something daft, like i did, then yes - full body armour. My palm was fine due to the glove, but my elbow and thigh are scarred, and still twinge.
If not, the padding in gloves helps for comfort in longer rides and the occasional minor mishap.
Plus, fingerless gloves rock.
Though they don't really sync with a suit on a Boris bike.