Glad you didn't sell your bikes!
I use technology, but I don't attempt to manipulate anything when I am riding. I have my main screen set to show only my current speed and cadence, as well as distance. That stopped me from obsessing about my average. I look at my average when I stop or at the end of the ride. Riding should be fun. If you're not training to race, the metrics shouldn't be the #1 thing you are looking at.