I don't mind encumbrance in Baldur's Gate. I think people are only thinking of I got all this cool stuff why should I have to choose between it all. I see it as limiting cheese mechanics. It could limit infinite money by not letting people pick up every single item to sell. Or if there was no encumbrance why would I use tactics when I can just use barrelmancy? I have to fight these powerful opponents? Nah I'm just gonna hit em with x amount of exploding barrels till they die since I can carry every barrel ever.

I don't like encumbrance, but I've never felt it negatively impact my enjoyment of a game. I didn't even know encumbrance was this much of an issue honestly. It just makes sense in certain games, imo.

Edit: Could also be made a toggle-able feature or unlock?