I hate the bloody things, I only wear one where the occasion really really demands it, I hated wearing one to the K.H.
They are becoming much less used in the U.K now, business people will often not wear one, politicians are seen without one frequently, and on the T.V they are used less often, the guy in charge of a news programme may wear on, but often the reporters do not.
I will not be sorry to see it disappear entirely, but I do think we need a smart alternative, the open neck shirt look is too informal sometimes, perhaps us chaps should champion the use of the roll neck sweater sort of garment ?
If worn with good quality jacket and trousers (pants fer da yanks) they can still look smart, but not as prattish as a tie.