I think the YLF way is that unless you absolutely hate something or feel it doesn't work with your personal style, you should give it an honest try...and if you don't love it, even after trying it, don't wear it. I like skinnies for specific purposes, but like you, I just can't wrap my head around wearing them as regular jeans. They feel and look too painted-on and just aren't flattering on most people. I much prefer straight legs. They are my go-to jeans. Like you, I'm also not into bootcuts as much as I used to be. I wore them the other day and felt really dumpy.
I have also found that with skinnies, one or two inches can make all the difference. My Rich and Skinny jeans have a 10" leg opening which is VERY tapered. I don't even like them with tunics. They are strictly for boot tucking. But an 11 or 12 inch leg opening with a little scrunch is fine without boots. So that might be worth considering too.
Seeing so many people on YLF look great in skinnies and reading a lot of skinny jeans posts might have unintentionally resulted in some people feeling a lot of pressure or feeling dated or dumpy for not embracing them, but you'll get basically the same result from straight legs.
