That was a great post! I absolutely agree there is a need for workouts in various intensity, slower days, steady state workouts, etc. I don't believe in over-training, that's for sure and amongst my riding buddies we have a motto... "walking is the future" (maybe the day will come when we can't ride) but not today! I certainly have had significant down time due to injury, and the Low Impact and Ice series was a lifesaver a few years back. That said, I think Cathe is the only one left that can produce advanced workouts on DVD and I'm concerned that she will ramp down and focus mainly on beginner to intermediate workouts, and step workouts for cardio (no offense its my problem I'm clumsy).
Regarding HIIT workouts, if I can't be outside, I have my bike on a smart trainer and use the app Zwift and Peloton for intense cardio, so I really don't need DVD workouts, but I sure love Cathe's style and I want them so difficult I can't swallow that sip of water...and she can do that with a smile!
Indeed...every *body* is different and there is success in many training plans. Sometimes I wish I could relax and not push so hard, but the challenge is what excites me and I believe this is what helps my body adapt to the incremental changes.