I did consider inert gas. In some ways, it seems more peaceful. For me personally though, feeling confident about buying the right equipment was a stumbling block. Plus, my neighbours are nosey. If they see a large gas tank arrive, they'll want to know what it's for. If I say welding, they'll ask me to fix something! Plus, I don't want to store a big gas canister. Our welding tutor put the fear of God in us over what would happen if they toppled or got ruptured.
I just think comparitively, SN sounds more peaceful to a lot of other methods. Still not great of course. But, partial and SWB seem to fail a lot. Full hanging a lot of people don't have the space for. Jumping requires nerves of steel and people have survived some of the local jumps near me. Plus, a public method in general doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather not traumatise people if I can help it.
I don't think it's just a case of people copying each other here. I just think- given what we can legally access, it often seems like the best out of a whole lot of bad choices!