A lot of us grew up using things like a 4x40 for almost everything. Not saying there aren't better choices now, but we were pretty handy with 1980s springers out to 30 yards or so.

A more useful comment. You would indeed think you get more bang for your buck with fixed over variable. But what do manufacturers sell most of? So what do they invest their R and D and QC in? What do they price most keenly to succeed in the market? Got it, variables.

Myself, I like both, though for general shooting I have never felt a need for much over 12 power max mag on a legal limit air rifle. FT, bench rest comp, or serious "bunny sniping" off a bipod with a PCP I would have a different view.

They are unfashionable, but at typical airgun ranges, 2-7x is a very useful power range.