I understand where you're coming from! I've wondered that myself.
I sometimes carry a purse. OK, I always have one in the car but I hate carrying it around and usually just have my license and credit card in my pocket.
But I do like totes for things such as going to the library....if I can remember to bring them to stores I use them instead of the plastic grocery bags...I use them to take stuff to quilt classes....
I also do not get the point of carrying a huge purse. I personally do not want the weight, nor do I want to be responsible for carrying everyone else's stuff, which is what usually happens.
I'll be watching here to see others responses because I'm curious too!