I can understand the industry covering its legal behind. I have two Arai Helmets. One is 30 years old, and my current everday helmet is 10 years old. My helmets are stored in a windowless garage with HVAC, with no appliances. Do I still wear the 30 year old one? Yes, Probably 3 or 4 times a year. And I go helmetless 3 or 4 times a summer in the evening. The 10 year old Arai is a Kevin Swantz Quantum. Great helmet but the 30 year old Quantum is quieter and more comfortable with more features. A race helmet is fairly stark past padding and a shell which is noticeably larger for the same size.
in summary the only time I used the protection of a helmet, was a 30mph slide when someone pulled out in front of me, and bought me a new bike. I was wearing a simple Bell open face and it saved my left check and forehead while sliding on the asphalt. Even a cheap OF helmet is FAR better then nothing IMO and IME.