same here IMHO. Here is my most recent (Oct 2022) freestyle tempo HC climb:
30-second power on top, 1-sec power below. Thats almost erg-like with 1.005 variability. Just a 1W difference between average and normalized over 87+ minutes. Freestyle by feeling out power, and a few glances at the bike computer.
And cadence:
fair bit of shifting, but mostly 33x33. This illustrates why I prefer riding in sim mode. Shorter climbs are everywhere around here.
No cognitive load. Just ride. Spent most of my time looking at the changing scenery, and taking pictures.
Two weeks ago a freestyle 60+ minute tempo on a <5mph windless day.
even lower variability (1.002) but its pancake flat riding into the delta region of the SF Bay. Freestyle by feeling out power. Cadence looks very different without wind:
No cognitive load. Just ride.