Well Hardy, this just difficult because the obvious answer is 'all of the above' but this is my personal experience...
Ego: I've ridden with lots of lads who have shit loads of bucks but no clue how to ride a bike. They then run off to BMW or KTM and buy a 990 or 800/1200 or something like that. It ALWAYS end in grumpyness on their part. If EGO could be left out of the equation, there would be a lot more happy adv riders out there....this is partly why you okes had such a joll on the CRF250 launch.
Maintenance: I've also ridden with okes who just don't maintain their bikes, have no clue how to repair a puncture (not that they could because they don't have the stuff with them). Even if you do know and have puncture repair kit, sometimes it can still be a bitch.
Time: If you're in a big group, it is like planning a work day, consider it only four hours long. If you're on your own, consider it 6 hours long. Never underestimate the negative power of procrastination.......time planning is difficult because you never know what's waiting for you on-route.
Planning: too detailed planning detracts from the adventure. My best trips are those where I have a destination and a timeframe and nothing else other than myself, my kit and a well prepared bike.
Safety: Safety planning is important ... But unfortunately I suck at that. I never know where the nearest hospital is but I've also very rarely experienced where there isn't someone to be found who is willing to help, especially farmers!!!
What Kamanya said above, respect.
Slow is slow. Fast is dangerous and consistency is progress.