Times are changing, and I think the days of doing Audax rides on heavy steel framed bikes with full mudguards will not be very popular in a few years time
Bikes have become lighter, faster, people don't need heavy canvas pannier bags and steel racks , as you can use light bike packing bags such as Apidura and Miss Grape etc
Forcing riders to use mudguards will also be a thing of the past, as many good light bikes don't have mudguard eyes, and the clip on's are crap ... no one forces you to ride behind a bike that does not have mudguards
If you wish to treat an Audax ride like a CTC ride, that's your choice, and there's nothing wrong with that, but don't be angry or disappointed if others prefer to ride as fast as they possibly can on the day