I don't think chainguards are dismissed. There is just nothing out there that's up to standard to fit the Raven style, as in what type of bicycle it is. I prefere one too and have cycled with one for most of my life. I know whats on offer in Holland and Germany (I speak the languages), were the majority of the guards are being used. I examened the Noel guard and others, in the shops there.
Nothing is perfect.