You will use the little shelf all the time! It can drain sponges or keep silverware separate. I used to keep my scrub brush in there instead of the pull out basket under the sink apron. It is very convenient to have a shelf where important items don't get mucked up with sink water.

This is one of these individual-preferences things. I personally find the Cascade confining, and would not have one for my kitchen. I like a big single bowl. I don’t care about having a shelf for draining or a shelf in my sink at all. That’s me, and others feel differently, while others feel like me. My advice is to go to a place that has the Cascade on display. Bring with you your most frequently-used pot or pan. Pretend to handle it in the display sink. Also do same with a single-bowl sink. See how you feel. You can’t go by internet photos and specs. You need to see one IRL.

Edited you add: just noticed that @Lisa Versaci is responding to a 2-year-old post. Wish I’d noticed that before I took the time to respond under the impression the OP was still shopping for a sink. Sigh.

There's another one from 2008 if you want to add to that one ;)

I don’t think you guys understand how the search field works when someone is shopping. I comb through old posts all the time putting together my house! It’s helpful when the thread has several people chiming in.

No, it’s annoying. You responded to the OP as if the OP is currently looking for a sink. And, it bumps down the current posts that actually DO have people currently inquiring about their kitchens.

If, as you say, you “understand how the search field works“, you would see that a search for Blanco Cascade sinks turns up 800+ posts. Many of those have 20 or more responses. There should be no concern that not enough people are chiming in.

Her post came up when I searched. I didn't have to dig very deep to find the post. I don't stay current with the threads -- I use them to search the topics I am researching. Why is it annoying to post to an old thread? Because it's not helpful? That would mean nobody sees it in a search. If it's one of the top ones that comes up in a search, well it stands to reason it will be helpful to the person searching for info. It can help people make educated decisions. I felt I was being helpful and offering advice. I'm not picky about who reads it or when.