Honestly very confused by how it can be a mainstream condiment/dressing. For me it’s just acidic. Doesn’t really taste of much but sorta tingles on my tongue/throat. Sorta like when you burp up a little stomach acid or a milder version of when you throw up stomach acid. Very confused about salt and vinegar chips and any sort of vinegar based salad dressing.
If you just take the plain acidic vinegar, well, you are right. If you overdose it in your food, well, you are right, too.
But have you ever tried a nice Aceto Balsamico? Or other Crema Vinegar variants? I’ve got a blueberry vinegar I sometimes consume as an Apéritif. Yes, it is no soda, but it has a nice, light acidity.
For people used to drinks laced with 20% HFPC, vinegar might be an issue, though.
And regarding Salt&Vinegar chips: I was very sceptical when I tried my first S&V chips in the UK, and I think they are wonderful. To the point that we bring loads of English S&V crisps back from our trips to the UK.