Do people over emphasize bench pressing?

[Xerxes]

This seems to be most peoples favorite exercise, and many people like to define their strength as how much weight they can bench press once.
I don't really think being able to lift something once is a good indicator of strength, probably what you could lift 10 times in a row would be a better indicator.
Do you think this exercise is overated? I'm not saying I think it's a bad exercise, though I think some people think to highly of it.

(Personally, I don't know or really care what my maximum x1 bench is.)

 

[Goldfish]

As far as raw strength is concerned, a 1RM is the most accurate indicator, but as far as day-to-day function is concerned, a 10RM might be more appropriate. Bench press isn't a bad exercise by any means, but it is one that is often over-emphasised and done poorly.