I agree that the smaller degrees, and lack of fractions, is more convenient for casual usage. However, I'd argue that being water-based is hardly mystical: if

I agree that the smaller degrees, and lack of fractions, is more convenient for casual usage. However, I'd argue that being water-based is hardly mystical: if water is boiling, or frozen, survival is more difficult. It's also a pragmatic system for any nation that regularly drops below freezing. (Eg, could it snow today? Could there be ice to slide on?)