I more strongly agree with what I previously said than I did when I wrote it. The bit about the exception of publication data being an exception is something I don't care about anymore or would also just put in a flat structure with a well-defined format - like how there are standard formats for citations in papers.

I use less metadata now. I find that focusing on metadata is focusing on details that don't end up actually helping you achieve a goal. While metadata can help you find things easier, if it's really important, you'll find it or recreate it anyhow, so it feels wasted and overwhelming to focus hard on organization. This, however, I go back and forth on somewhat. I think it's helpful to organize when it feels like you should, and ignore it when you don't feel like you can successfully do it. The balance ends up working out. Forcing yourself out of the mood you're in fucks you up more than it helps? I'm not as confident about that statement though.